I have a prejudice against people who print things in a foreign language and add no translation. When I am the reader, and the other considers me able to do the translating myself, he pays me the quite a nice compliment but if he would do the translating for me I would try to get along without the compliment. (A Tramp Abroad,1880)

Summary

This quote, by the renowned American author Mark Twain, reflects his personal prejudice against individuals who print texts in a foreign language without providing any translation. Twain feels that when he is expected to do the translating himself, it is a compliment to his linguistic abilities; however, if the translation is given, he would rather forego the compliment and manage without it. This brief explanation showcases Twain's nuanced perspective on the role of translations in reading experiences and highlights his skewed perception of compliments.

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