Scientific American (subscription required) writes about the promise and challenges of machine translations.
In the mean time, in the real world, enjoy mangled English in a collection put together by Jane O'Boyle titled "Free Drinks for Ladies with Nuts".
Sample:
"The flattening of underwear with pleasure is the job of the chambermaid." (at a Serbian hotel)
"Fur coats made for ladies from their own skins." (at a Swedish furrier)
"The manager has personally passed all water served here." (at an Acapulco hotel)
"Teeth extracted by the latest Methodists." (an ad for a dentist in Hong Kong)
"Ask us about our plans to own your home" (Detroit savings and loan)
"Drop your trousers here for best results" (Bangkok drycleaners)
Hey, at least they try to speak English. Imgaine what we sound like when we try our hand at their languages. The Griswolds - need I say more?
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