Question

Read this passage from “The Notorious Jumping Frog of Calaveras County.” Which is the most accurate Standard English translation of the dialect used by author? And the feller studied a minute, and then says, kinder sad like, "Well, I'm only a stranger here, and I ain't got no frog; but if I had a frog, I'd bet you." And the man studied the frog for a while, and then said, in a kindly voice, Well, I’m just a stranger here. I don’t have no frog. If I did have a frog, I’d bet on you.” And the guy studied a minute and then said, in a kind manner, “I’m a stranger in these parts and don’t have a frog. If I had a frog, I’d bet with you.” And the man thought for a minute and said sadly, “Well, I’m only a stranger here, and I don’t have a frog. But if I had a frog, I’d take that bet.” And the dude looked at the clock then cried, “As a stranger, I came without my frog. If I had it, I’d take you up on your bet.”

Answer 1

Answer: And the man thought for a minute and said sadly, “Well, I’m only a stranger here, and I don’t have a frog. But if I had a frog, I’d take that bet.”

Explanation: Dialects are a form of language spoken in a specific part of a country. Nevertheless, Standard English translation is used to have a better, and universal understanding of a dialect. In this case, Mark Twain used the phrase: "kinder sad like", which translates to "said sadly". Considering "kinder" is similar to "kind" it can be misinterpreted as "kindly voice" or "kindly manner". However, "kinder sad like" implies a change in the emotion of a person, meaning that the man spoke in a sadder tone due to the absence of a frog to bet with the other man.