Monday, April 25, 2011

Lies, Damn Lies, and Salutations

To paraphrase Mark Twain, the biggest lies come at the end of letters.  The reason for this is the salutation, the phrase before your name, is the same, regardless of the actual content.
For example, someone receives a letter from the bank informing them that the bank has decided to repossess their house.  After the usual legalities, these letters often end with a comment such as “We regret having the take such an action.”
Now, the fun begins.  The writer adds the standard ending to the letter without considering the actual meaning of the words.
English Yours truly (sincerely): Most bank officers do not really care if you lose your house or not.
French:  Veuillez agréer  des mes sentiments très respectueux (Please be assured of my most respectful feelings): Please tell me how much respect a bank can have for people who has not paid their mortgage for nine months.
Hebrew     בברכה (In blessing): With blessings like this, who needs curses!
Russian       с уважением (with respect):  See comment on the French remark. 
I welcome any comments and addition to this list.  I also recognize that telling is truth is not always the best policy.     

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