Glossary entry (derived from question below)
Dutch term or phrase:
probleem 'van de lange adem' (see context)
English translation:
question of who can hold out the longest
Added to glossary by
Luuk Arens
Oct 28, 2005 14:06
18 yrs ago
1 viewer *
Dutch term
Netherlands
Professional translations | web editing
Native in: Dutch (Variants: Netherlands, Flemish) 
Works in: English to Dutch, Dutch to English, Italian to Dutch, and 2 more.
probleem 'van de lange adem' (see context)
Dutch to English
Social Sciences
Anthropology
indigenous land use rights
Van Dale: de langste adem hebben -> hold out longest. I am not sure how to fit it in this context. Any suggestions?
Terwijl de meeste cabildos (->lokale overheid) de houding van de koppige inheemse landeigenaren (finqueros) als een ***‘probleem van de lange adem’*** beschouwen, ontstaat er in sommige kringen (rondom het cabildo) ongeduld en gaan er stemmen op om deze families hun rechten als lid van de resguardo-gemeenschap te ontzeggen .
Terwijl de meeste cabildos (->lokale overheid) de houding van de koppige inheemse landeigenaren (finqueros) als een ***‘probleem van de lange adem’*** beschouwen, ontstaat er in sommige kringen (rondom het cabildo) ongeduld en gaan er stemmen op om deze families hun rechten als lid van de resguardo-gemeenschap te ontzeggen .
Proposed translations
(English)
Proposed translations
+8
9 mins
Selected
question of who can hold out the longest
The local administrations take the position that they will ultimately prevail (outlast their opponents) if they simply stick to their position long enough without taking any direct action.
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Note added at 15 mins (2005-10-28 14:22:29 GMT)
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or 'a matter of endurance'
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Note added at 15 mins (2005-10-28 14:22:29 GMT)
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or 'a matter of endurance'
Peer comment(s):
| agree |
Joost Simons
: That's my interpretation, too. I like 'a matter of endurance. It's simple and to the point.
9 mins
|
| agree |
Tina Vonhof (X)
50 mins
|
| agree |
Harry Borsje
: yep, as it refers to attitude/behaviour
59 mins
|
| agree |
Dave Calderhead
1 hr
|
| agree |
Saskia Steur (X)
1 hr
|
| agree |
AllisonK (X)
1 hr
|
| agree |
mariette (X)
2 hrs
|
| agree |
writeaway
: the word koppige confirms your interpretation
2 hrs
|
| neutral |
DutchConnection
: To me this answer suggests the most stubborn party will win, whereas 'een probleem van de lange adem' suggests a patient and considered approach is required to influence entrenched attitudes or make any headway.
17 hrs
|
4 KudoZ points awarded for this answer.
Comment: "Thank you all for your valuable contributions and comments!
Luuk "
+2
3 mins
Paul Peeraerts
Native in Dutch
Native in: Dutch 
Works in: German to Dutch, Esperanto to Dutch, French to Dutch, and 7 more.
a long lasting problem
-
Peer comment(s):
| agree |
Els Thant, M.A., B.Tr. (X)
: zo begrijp ik het ook hier
30 mins
|
| agree |
George Vardanyan
31 mins
|
1 hr
a problem that can only be solved in the long run
IMHO
+1
2 hrs
problem that cannot be solved in the short term
Compare the troubles in Northern Ireland. A problem requiring patience and a considered approach. Compare English expression: 'don't hold your breath', though this is used informally.
Discussion