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Translation-Project Dear
Visitor, When, on April 22, 2005,
VÖLKERMORD DER TITO-PARTISANEN, i.e. Genocide
by Tito's Partisans,
was placed on the
internet, in the next to the last paragraph of
"A
personal perspective: Why This
Documentation" I
wrote the following: " . . . Highly desirable
would be a good translation into English. Many
descendants of the Donauschwaben, primarily in the
USA and Canada, have a limited command of the
German language, and could learn through a
translation the plight of their parents,
grandparents, and relatives . . . " I could, at that time, not
foresee the immense interest this Documentation
would generate! The daily flow of visitors to this
website has by far exceeded my most humble
expectations, and proves, time and again, that
truthful accounts from that era are in our time of
outright lies, deceit, and distortions needed more
than ever. It is therefore quite apparent that a
translation into English would increase the
readership by leaps and bounds, especially since
very few people in the English-speaking countries
have ever heard of the Donauschwaben. To get an inkling how much
such an undertaking would cost I contacted several
translators listed on the internet, and had the
shock of my life! The entire text in English would
run at least $10,000! The chances to realize this
worthwhile project are therefore not very
promising. Unless . . . someone, or several, of the
many visitors would be inspired enough to lend a
hand. There are numerous possibilities which point
to a less costly endeavor . . . Perhaps
translations could begin on a small scale, chances
are some of you work at firms which specialize in
this type of work . . . Or somebody could translate
the portions pertaining to the town or region his
parents/grandparents, etc., originate from. I
wouldn't be surprised if that hasn't already be
accomplished judging by the huge amount of
megabytes of information downloaded daily . . . A
group of people could sponsor a chapter, etc., etc.
A suggestion when
translating: The texts are rather elementary in
comparison to, let's say, technical information. I
also find that no attempt should be made to
translate names of towns and villages, rivers,
regions, etc. These should retain their German
names for easier identification. It would certainly be a
project all Donauschwaben could be proud of! We can
not change the course of history, but we owe it to
our people that they will not be
forgotten. That is the very least we
can do for them. What this appeal boils down
to is simply this: If you believe an English
translation is a cause worthy of your effort and
support - then I will probably hear from you. If
not - then I have assumed wrong, and my personal
interest in this project is certainly not shared by
the majority of the expelled Germans from
Yugoslavia. I will then no longer pursue it.
The choice is clearly
yours! For questions, and
suggestions please contact me any time!
Just
click here Cordially I'm forced to withdraw the
translation appeal which I placed on the Internet
in August of 2005. Not one of the many
Donauschwaben in the English-speaking countries has
shown even the slightest interest to help on this
project! My time as an individual to
pursue this is very limited and to have the
translation done by professionals is beyond my
financial means. I submit therefore to the
silent majority and consider this undertaking not
doable at this time, at least not in it's entirety.
To translate areas with an interest to people
having roots there, however, is a possibility which
should not be overlooked. I have given this thinking
a try and have translated the plight of the Germans
in the city of Pantschowa,
the place I was born. If I could do it - so could
any of you. All you need is wanting to do it!
Erwin E.
Maruna |