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Putin-Dell slapdown at Davos
- critic 18y agoWhen things get translated, they can acquire unexpected meanings. In English even, consider "help" vs "aid".
- snitko 18y agoIn Russian 'help' and 'aid' would in most cases be the same word, so I doubt Putin misunderstood the guy.
- critic 18y agoIsn't this lack of verbal nuance exactly why Putin could misconstrue an offering of "help" as an offering of humanitarian "aid" to poor computer-illiterate Russia?
- snitko 18y agoNo. You might think that (seems logical), but in fact having one word instead of two means you always think of the context. So, he definitely didn't think of this offer as of humanitarian 'aid'. My assumption, is that the message from Dell was to make some sort of business (profitable to Dell, of course) and Russia did not actually need this offer. I guess, Putin replied like that because he was asked a question in the same manner (using this 'help' word instead of 'deal' or 'business'). And, btw, Putin speaks english more or less. At least he knows the word 'help'.
- jhancock 18y agoPutin's words may be rough, but it is probably true that Russia does not need Michael Dell's help or any other U.S. IT powerhouse. This is a key difference between China and Russia culture. China also does not need placating "help" from western companies. But they'll smile and take it until they have the upper hand ;).
- delackner 18y agoI'm surprised Michael Dell had anything nice to say to Putin in the first place, let alone an offer of assistance. Putin is a war criminal and a thug, comfortable with murder and intimidation as normal tools of his trade.
- numair 18y agoYou are obviously new to this whole world domination thing. Might want to look in the mirror. ;)