Courses Quote by Joshua Oppenheimer
“In Indonesian, the word isn't translating as "gangster." It's "preman", which comes from the Dutch "préman", which of course the thing that's "freeman" in English.”
About This Quote
Source Documentary: "The Act of Killing", 2012
The Indonesian term "preman" derives from Dutch "préman", meaning "freeman".
In simple terms: Preman means freeman, not gangster.
Key Takeaway
Recognize linguistic nuances.
Themes
language
translation
culture
Mood
educational
analytical
Type
informative
academic
When to use this quote
- travel
- business
- media
- communication
Key Concepts
etymology
colonial history
Questions to Reflect On
- How does language shape perception?
- What assumptions arise from mistranslations?
A Different Perspective
Translations can mislead without context.
![“Bernie [Ecclestone] is the commercial rights holder so the more outgoing the champion is, the better. Of course. I also do think about our sport and want to make an effort - but in my own way. I am Nico [Rosberg] and not Lewis [Hamilton]!” quote by Bernie Ecclestone](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/15c/bernie-ecclestone-8452_champion_bernie-ecclestone-is-the-commercial-righ_2948.jpg)
![“Leave a cavity behind the [wall] facings, and on the inside build walls two feet thick, made of red dimension stone or burnt brick or lava in courses, and then bind them to the fronts by means of iron clamps and lead. The beds and builds, all settling equally and bonded at the joints, will not let…” quote by Marcus Vitruvius Pollio](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/d76/marcus-vitruvius-pollio-7498_bed_leave-a-cavity-behind-the-wall-facings-a_5922.jpg)
