bekk (in this context)

English translation: stream/brook

GLOSSARY ENTRY (DERIVED FROM QUESTION BELOW)
Norwegian term or phrase:bekk (in this context)
English translation:stream/brook
Entered by: liz askew

18:41 Jul 14, 2012
Norwegian to English translations [PRO]
Geography
Norwegian term or phrase: bekk (in this context)
"Dette er Noreg sitt svar på amerikanske Ville Vesten, men på dei vindpinte viddene streifar reinsdyr i staden for bøffel, og i bekkane rundt omkring finst det aure i staden for gull."

I am seeking responses from a very specific group, namely, native users of UK English. So if you're a Yank, please hold your fire unless you're Bill Bryson or have similar credentials from long tenure in the U.K.

The issue here is my desire to use "creek" for "bekk" in this instance. In the (formerly) Wild West, only Eastern dandies would use "brook". (Some of them still name their own kids "Brook" sometimes ...) In the West, "creek" is the nearly universal term for such watercourses, e.g., the famous Sutter('s) Creek. See http://toponymia.wordpress.com/2009/11/25/creeks-and-brooks/ for the historical background.

"Stream" is a little too general for my taste here.

However, my research indicates that the Brits will conceive of a creek as a tidal feature (just as we do here in New England.) The streams in question are located far inland, on the edge of Jotunheimen. For the purpose of this particular tourism promotion, can I get away with using the otherwise best choice "creek", without confusing Britishers (and angering Norwegians educated in the U.K.)? If not, am I doomed to use "brook" or "stream"?
Charles Ek
United States
Local time: 16:57
stream/brook
Explanation:
http://www.google.co.uk/search?q=on the edge of Jotunheimen&...

I would avoid "creek". It means something else to us Brits.
I am from Scotland, and we don't use the word "creek" to describe inland rivers/brooks/streams

In fact we call them "burns"!
Selected response from:

liz askew
United Kingdom
Local time: 21:57
Grading comment
Thanks. I took "stream".
3 KudoZ points were awarded for this answer



Summary of answers provided
4 +1stream/brook
liz askew
Summary of reference entries provided
liz askew

Discussion entries: 13





  

Answers


24 mins   confidence: Answerer confidence 4/5Answerer confidence 4/5 peer agreement (net): +1
stream/brook


Explanation:
http://www.google.co.uk/search?q=on the edge of Jotunheimen&...

I would avoid "creek". It means something else to us Brits.
I am from Scotland, and we don't use the word "creek" to describe inland rivers/brooks/streams

In fact we call them "burns"!

liz askew
United Kingdom
Local time: 21:57
Native speaker of: Native in EnglishEnglish
PRO pts in category: 3
Grading comment
Thanks. I took "stream".
Notes to answerer
Asker: Yes, I've dipped my toe already in the beck/bourne/brook/burn/nant/stream/syke waters. (And aren't things already complicated enough, without reference to a list that includes a citation from a .se domain? ;-) )


Peer comments on this answer (and responses from the answerer)
agree  brigidm: But perhaps "brook" conveys the comparative smallness in size which I think you're looking for.
1 day 10 hrs
  -> Thank you!
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Reference comments


11 mins
Reference

Reference information:
Reports of cases argued and determined in the Court of King's ... - Google Books Result
books.google.co.uk/books?id=liUEAAAAQAAJ...1816
... divers large quantities of water from and out of the brooks, streams, or rivulets found and being within 20co yards of the canal, called or known by the name of ...

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Note added at 12 mins (2012-07-14 18:53:54 GMT)
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creek

is normally associated with mud:)

see Fareham creek

http://www.panoramio.com/photo/5106648

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Note added at 13 mins (2012-07-14 18:55:02 GMT)
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i.e.

creek

is tidal

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Note added at 20 mins (2012-07-14 19:01:27 GMT)
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http://www.differencebetween.com/difference-between-river-an...


A river is said to be a natural body of water that leads to an ocean or sea. On the contrary a creek is understood differently by different cultures. In British English creek means a narrow inlet of the sea, probably a sunken river valley. In Australia a creek means almost a river. It is interesting to note that a creek is called by other names such as a brook and a stream too in British English.
Geographers believe that although a creek is smaller than a river, there are some creeks that are considerably larger and longer than some rivers. In fact they are described as stronger than some rivers too. There are some large creeks and small rivers in the United States of America for that matter.

liz askew
United Kingdom
Native speaker of: Native in EnglishEnglish
PRO pts in category: 3
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