Why bother with a foreign language. Everyone speaks English! - Actually every one does not speak English! Learning English is what other Europeans did to fulfil our rubber stamp QSOs. This is for fun and it is immensely rewarding to share some basic QSO information in another language! The Europeans love it whether you just fill out your QSL card with a friendly greeting, sign-off with a couple of words or have a bash at a whole QSO!
I’ve been told it is all too easy to cause offence if you are not a fluent linguist - This is an enduring myth but it is entirely unfounded. Ask yourself, when was the last time you took offence at an over-seas operator who wished ‘best 73’s to you and your wives’ ? Actually folk are usually delighted you make the effort. They are very patient and helpful. Your efforts, however clumsy, will be well rewarded!
Why is this site for CW and Digital Modes Only? - Communicating in a foreign language in voice modes requires much more skill from the operator, not least a clear accent! It was beyond the scope of the Parlez Vous QSO ?! project to include pronunciation information that would be meaningful to a multi-lingual audience. We would need to provide audio files for every phrase. The main goal of the project was an entry-level approach to foreign language communication without the additional problems of proper pronunciation. SSB and FM speech would be great modes for confident linguists.
How do I know the content is accurate? - Rather than research every phrase ourselves in dictionaries and on-line translators (which can be misleading for the unwary!), we recruited English-speaking volunteers from Europe who could translate a standard set of phrases into their mother tongue. And if you find an error or an alternative expression, please let us know! See the ‘Contact Us’ page for further information.
But what about accents and funny characters? - No problem. Check out our ‘Language Tips’ page for more information. You won’t need to learn more Morse characters...
What will I get from this site? - Downloadable translations of 50 common QSO phrases in 7 European languages including English. This is available in three forms:
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Microsoft Word 97 Document - Compatible with later versions of Word.
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Microsoft Works Word Processor version 7 - Like Word 97 you can edit, sort and print out the text.
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Microsoft Excel 97 - The embedded macros in this spreadsheet allow you to move your native language (not just English!) to the left of your computer screen while the right half displays the translated language of your choice. If your next QSO is in another language just click on the ‘Translation’ drop-down selector to replace your original choice with a new language. Hyperlinks speed you to common categories like: ‘Station Information’ and ‘QSL’. All at the click of the mouse!
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We are thinking about supplying a PDF format dependent on demand.
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How will I know when the files are updated? - Every page has a revision date and every file has a version number. Naturally later version numbers indicate more up to date files. Please note that we may not be able to update and upload all file formats in one go. So if the Word 97 file has version number 1.20 and Works has number 1.18, the Word file will be more up to date.
Will I need a dictionary? - It is not necessary but it can be helpful. When you have become proficient with the phrases here or want to modify them a dictionary is very useful. There are also many on-line resources you can use. If you run broadband while you operate radio you can check words received and spice up your transmissions live - if you are quick with the mouse and the key/keyboard!
Can I use the phrases in macros for digital modes? - Yes. Edit them as you feel appropriate, copy and paste into your macro. The phrase is now customised and ready to send! See our ‘Language Tips’ page for more information.
Is there a fee or a subscription to pay? - No but please remember it is free! If you don’t like the content or the format you are welcome to make constructive feedback or click onward with our best wishes.
Can I contact the translators direct to translate something for me? - We have deliberately withheld the contact details and email addresses of our translators to prevent this happening. They kindly gave us their time to translate these stock phrases but not to provide an on-going, free translation service. However there are many on-line translators you could try. See our ‘Language Tips’ page and ‘Links’ page for more information.
Why does every phrase have a reference number? - The reference number (Ref.) helps us keep track of all the phrases across the range of languages. It also allows us to insert new phrases and correct erroneous ones in a logical process. This is helpful for folks with older downloads who want to check their phrases are up to date. We have tried to group phrases together in meaningful categories. Of course there are often several ways of saying the same thing. So sometimes there may be multiple alternatives for a single English phrase.
My language is not included! - Then please email us! We would be delighted to hear from you and between us we can make your language available to other radio amateurs. Please see our ‘Contact Us’ page for more information.
I have found an error in the translations! - Please email us! We would be delighted to hear from you and between us we can resolve this problem. See our ‘Contact Us’ page for more information.
Why is there a special page for WACRAL? - The World Association of Christian Radio Amateurs and Listeners has a large following in Europe. Several of their members (M0ECS included!) contributed to the translations and publicity. Their page includes additional translations that would be especially relevant to Christians but not necessarily to every radio amateur.
I’ve got a question not covered here! - Please email us. Details are on our ‘Contact Us’ page.
Steve - M0ECS (site author)
