Re: Wanted: Alternate wording for Law 16Bb1(a)

Matthias Berghaus <[email protected]>
Newsgroups gmane.games.bridge.laws
Message-ID <[email protected]>
Am 12.07.2016 um 18:44 schrieb Adam Wildavsky:
> Here's what the WBF LC is now considering:
>
> Current:
>
> …, the partner may not choose from among logical alternatives one that 
> could demonstrably have been suggested over another by the extraneous 
> information.
>
> Proposed:
>
> …, the partner may not choose a call or play that could demonstrably 
> have been suggested over another by the extraneous information unless 
> there is no logical alternative.
>
> Is it clearer? At least as clear? Any further changes to suggest?

I think it is at least as clear, maybe clearer, but - while  I have some 
pride in my command of English - I am not a native speaker, so some 
nuances may well go right pass me. Having said that, there are many TDs 
who are not native speakers either, and some of them have worse command 
of English, and there danger lies. I remember when Robert Geller (AFAIK 
American-born) couldn`t help the Japanese Federation with their 
translation because he didn`t understand what the English version said....

So if the proposed version is easier to understand for non-native 
speakers, then it is an improvement for sure, and I can see where this 
could well be the case. Some parts of the laws used to be called 
Grattanese by the British and were considered a foreign language. I was 
always deeply impressed by what Grattan could do with the English 
language, and what deep knowledge he has, but if (as sometimes happened) 
native speakers couldn`t understand his postings here, what chance does 
someone from another country have?

Clarity and easy readability must be the goal, and IMO the proposed 
version looks like a step on the way.
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