Lost in translation

[stork]

I got an enquiry in English from a French family, asking "Is there some animations aroud the house?"

Now, I assume they are not referring to Disney, but what then?

Get me right, as I speak 4 languages in varying degrees I know that you sometimes say things that are strange to native speakers.

[frenchy]

I think that they mean are there activities in the area!

[Nightowl]

yes, I think that's the likely one - I know that in Spain the hotels around us have 'animations clubs' for the children...

[Anno]

Yes, Frenchy must surely be right: activities, events, "animations" is a blighter to translate into English as it covers all sorts of things from sailing courses to firework nights to treasure hunts to farmer's markets... they want to know if there's anything "on" (come to think of it that's an expression that might well stump a French speaker!).