Miland:PS. Correction - looking up Lord's book, the verb subvenci is applied(p14) to 'workshy parasites subsidised by rates' (a former local tax based on property). Lord uses maldungan kompenson for UB. But I would still stand by my use of the term.

Wow, does he really use those words? That's an awfully political choice. In any case, the word "subvencii" has no negative connotations in Esperanto. The Esperanto definition given for it in the Reta Vortaro is "Provizi oficialan monhelpon" (to provide official monetary help). That can refer to a scholarship to a student, a grant for a project, or a check for an unemployed or poor person.

I think "subvenciata" as a translation for "on benefit" is fine. For an unemployment benefit, "maldunga kompenso" sounds fine to me, but for the more general "on benefit" (for any reason, not necessary unemployment), I think "subvenciata" is good, since it is more general. So I guess I agree with Lord's Esperanto choices, although I do not agree with his apparent politics!

erinja:

Miland:PS. Correction - looking up Lord's book, the verb subvenci is applied(p14) to 'workshy parasites subsidised by rates'

Wow, does he really use those words? That's an awfully political choice... I guess I agree with Lord's Esperanto choices, although I do not agree with his apparent politics!

Sorry, I should have explained that Lord is not expressing his own views - the passage is an imaginary conversation between two older man, a Grumpy Old Man and a more reasonable character.

This further conversation has been really useful. It sounds to me like "subvenciata" is the right word aafter all. Thanks!

richardhall:Thanks for all the suggestions. I'm still vexed by the translation of 'On benefit' though.

vivante per senlaboreca pago

Let me trsnslate part of an old poem of mine, Beatle Music

It's no go the lunchtime crowd
Outside the Cavern,
Too old to get a job.
Too joung for the tavern.

Ho ve la meztaga amas'
Ekster la Kavern'
Tro maljuna por dungad'
Tro juna por la tavern'