Glossary entry (derived from question below)
May 11, 2005 07:23
19 yrs ago
German term
IanW (X)
Neugier
German to English
Art/Literary
Linguistics
Title of a book
“Die Neugier steht immer an erster Stelle eines Problems, das gelöst werden will.”
This is a quote from Galileo and my customer - who is writing a booklet/brochure which I will be translating into English - would like to base her title on this quote. The end customer is an extremely upmarket financial services provider.
My problem is that I am struggling to find a positive way of expressing "Neugier". "Curiosity" sounds like a nosy neighbour and "inquisitive" sounds like a child who won't stop asking questions. Can anyone think of a more positive way to convey this?
Any input would be very much appreciated, particularly in the next half-hour, but also after that.
Many thanks
Ian
This is a quote from Galileo and my customer - who is writing a booklet/brochure which I will be translating into English - would like to base her title on this quote. The end customer is an extremely upmarket financial services provider.
My problem is that I am struggling to find a positive way of expressing "Neugier". "Curiosity" sounds like a nosy neighbour and "inquisitive" sounds like a child who won't stop asking questions. Can anyone think of a more positive way to convey this?
Any input would be very much appreciated, particularly in the next half-hour, but also after that.
Many thanks
Ian
Proposed translations
(English)
| 4 +8 | curiosity |
Gabrielle Lyons
|
| 4 +3 | an inquiring mind |
Anne-Carine Zimmer
|
| 3 +1 | thirst for knowledge |
Julia Winkler (X)
|
| 3 | information fever |
Natalie Wilcock (X)
|
| 3 | The spirit of inquiry |
Laurel Porter (X)
|
| 3 | Interest |
Erin McGann
|
| 2 | Curiosity is the father of invention |
Nick Somers (X)
|
Proposed translations
+8
28 mins
Gabrielle Lyons
Native in English
Works in field
The content matters.
Native in: English 
Works in: French to English, German to English
Related KudoZ points
:
10
Selected
curiosity
Simplest and best - not to mention closest to the original.
Whoever said curiosity was a negative quality?
Google 'curiosity' with 'galileo' and you'll find LOTS of positive takes on it, some very close to your source quote.
e.g.
'Galileo, now blind was reviewing his life with his pupil. ... "I have always enjoyed solving problems and my curiosity has kept me busy for many years." '
www.edhelper.com/ ReadingComprehension_Geography_44_1.html
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Note added at 32 mins (2005-05-11 07:55:45 GMT)
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Another good one:
\"Galileo once said, \'you cannot teach a person anything; you can only help him find it within himself.\' The cornerstone of my teaching philosophy is to foster a student\'s curiosity and enthusiasm for learning.\"
From Teaching Philosophy
http://agecon2.tamu.edu/people/faculty/ng-desmond/TEACHINGPH...
Whoever said curiosity was a negative quality?
Google 'curiosity' with 'galileo' and you'll find LOTS of positive takes on it, some very close to your source quote.
e.g.
'Galileo, now blind was reviewing his life with his pupil. ... "I have always enjoyed solving problems and my curiosity has kept me busy for many years." '
www.edhelper.com/ ReadingComprehension_Geography_44_1.html
--------------------------------------------------
Note added at 32 mins (2005-05-11 07:55:45 GMT)
--------------------------------------------------
Another good one:
\"Galileo once said, \'you cannot teach a person anything; you can only help him find it within himself.\' The cornerstone of my teaching philosophy is to foster a student\'s curiosity and enthusiasm for learning.\"
From Teaching Philosophy
http://agecon2.tamu.edu/people/faculty/ng-desmond/TEACHINGPH...
Peer comment(s):
| agree |
Aniello Scognamiglio (X)
11 mins
|
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thanks
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| agree |
Michael Bailey
: Doesn't the edhelper.com quotation have an unfortunate oxymoron/pun with blind and pupil!
14 mins
|
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thanks - missed that!
|
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| agree |
Natalie Wilcock (X)
: with Gabrielle, good point.
17 mins
|
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thanks
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| agree |
Sonia Soros
23 mins
|
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thanks
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| agree |
Ian M-H (X)
: or possibly "sense of curiosity" - that might avoid the danger of associations with inquisitiveness or morbid curiosity
1 hr
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Thanks again for the suggestion - and take a look at all the people agreeing with you!
|
|
| agree |
Craig Meulen
: nice one ian - sense of curiousity sounds undoubtedly positive
1 hr
|
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thanks
|
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| agree |
Laurel Porter (X)
: Indeed - and a good addition by Ian, as well.
2 hrs
|
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thanks
|
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| agree |
vanessak
2 hrs
|
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thanks
|
4 KudoZ points awarded for this answer.
Comment: "Thanks all round"
+3
2 mins
Anne-Carine Zimmer
United States
United States
Works in field
United States
detail oriented and diligent
Works in: German to English, English to German, Spanish to English, and 3 more.
Related KudoZ points
:
8
an inquiring mind
maybe that would work here?
Peer comment(s):
| agree |
Michael Bailey
38 mins
|
| agree |
ENGSOL
: IMO, either *curiosity* (sounds a bit "playful", maybe), or this one, which sounds a bit more sophisticated and would perhaps fit better if the brochure is targeting the (really) discerning customer
51 mins
|
| agree |
shineda
: it is likened to the open-mindedness of a child so *inquisitive* would also be appropriate
3 hrs
|
+1
2 mins
thirst for knowledge
maybe that's an option
Peer comment(s):
| agree |
Ian M-H (X)
: or desire for knowledge
1 hr
|
35 mins
information fever
Just a shot, depending on what the brochure is about. But if it's a service provider they might be dealing in information, IT, news, etc.
2 hrs
Curiosity is the father of invention
The actual quote attributed to Galileo says "Doubt ..."
http://www.thinkexist.com/english/Author/x/Author_2925_1.htm
but curiosity is more positive
http://www.thinkexist.com/english/Author/x/Author_2925_1.htm
but curiosity is more positive
2 hrs
The spirit of inquiry
Just another suggestion... Would make a nice title, anyway!
Good luck with your Italian search - might provide good imaginative fodder.
Good luck with your Italian search - might provide good imaginative fodder.
3 hrs
Interest
Keep it simple
Discussion