Interpreter Please !?!

[SMAN]

These are from posters outside of mosques in Bosnia.

Bosnians are very secular but tourists and expected to show a degree of respect while visiting their mosques - which is quite common due to their historical significance, interesting architecture, and so on.

In 1998, the signs explaining the basic rules for entering the mosques were translated into German and English as well, to accomidate these tourists. However...many things were mistranslated.

One sign outside of Begova Dzamija Mosque said, in Bosnian:

"Women are not required to be veiled, but please exercise modesty as a sign of respect to God's house."

The English translation read:

"Females are not curtains, however if you are nice we guarantee your purity."

Another outside of Carsija Dzamija Mosque read, in Bosnian:

"Animals are forbidden to enter the courtyard of the mosque unless they are leashed. Animals are forbidden from entering the mosque itself at all times."

The English translation read:

"Living things are banned from existing in the mall courthouse except while being beaten. Living things are banned from existing in the mask."

And my favorite...from Bijela Dzamija Mosque. The sign said, in Bosnian:

"You are allowed to explore, experience, and photograph all areas of the mosque - but please be respectful during prayer times and do not interrupt worshippers."

The English translation read:

"Your privilege is to probe, taste, and capture in all places of the mosque - however, if you are nice you will get the same treatment from worshippers."