By: Sheekha Sanghvi, Marketing Manager
Translation is a fascinating and essential part of our globalized world. It allows us to connect, share ideas, and appreciate diverse cultures.
However, it is not always an easy undertaking; when languages and cultures mix, things can go comically or catastrophically south. On this International Translation Day, let us begin a voyage into the delightful and sometimes bewildering world of translation errors and cultural misunderstandings. Language, as we know, is a complex and beautiful tapestry that binds cultures and societies together. However, when it goes astray, it can lead to moments that are both amusing and thought-provoking. Here are a few instances that may help you learn a thing or two for the future.
When “Lost in Translation” Goes Literal
Consider ordering a modest dish at a foreign restaurant and being served something completely unexpected. This occurred to a traveller in Japan who ordered “sushi” and received a platter of sliced, uncooked fish instead. It turns out that in Japanese, “sushi” refers to any type of sliced fish, not only the delicacy we know and love.
Lost in Menu Translation
Ever had a good laugh at a menu item while traveling? One menu in Japan offered “Special Cow Disorder” (Mad Cow Disease) as an English translation for a beef dish. Such menu mishaps are common worldwide and can lead to amusing dining experiences.
While we’re on the topic of food, menus in foreign countries can be a real source of entertainment. In China, a restaurant’s attempt to translate “beef with broccoli” led to the creation of the dish “Cow Roasted Face.” It’s safe to say that most diners were not expecting that!
Lost in Religious Translation
In a translation of the Bible into the Hawaiian language, the verse “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want” was rendered as “The Lord is my cowboy; I don’t want anything.” Quite the image!
Cultural Taboos and Emoji Blunders
Cultural sensitivity is crucial in translation. In Sweden, a hotel displayed a sign saying, “Do not disturb” translated to “Do not be disturbed.” A simple word choice can lead to significant cultural misunderstandings. Another such example of cultural taboo is when Ford introduced the Pinto in Brazil without realizing that “Pinto” is Brazilian slang for “small male genitals.” Not exactly the image they wanted for their car.
In our digital age, emojis have become a form of universal language. However, even they can cause misunderstandings. For instance, the “thumbs up” emoji is a sign of approval in many cultures, but in the Middle East, it can be seen as an offensive gesture.
Lost in Branding
The best example of this is when Kentucky Fried Chicken’s renowned tagline, “Finger Lickin’ Good,” was translated into Chinese as “Eat Your Fingers Off.” Not quite the enticing message they were after!
Another case in point was when Chevrolet had an unexpected obstacle when selling their Nova vehicle in Latin America. “No va” means “it does not go” in Spanish. Not the most appropriate name for an automobile!
When Coors debuted its “Turn It Loose” campaign in Spain another time, it was translated as “Suffer from Diarrhoea.” Needless to say, that didn’t help their beer sales.
Lost in Translation, Found in Laughter
Language and communication are wonderfully intricate aspects of human culture. While translation errors and cultural misunderstandings can be embarrassing, they also bring us moments of laughter and connection. They bridge the gap between cultures, highlighting our shared humanity.
These examples remind us that translation is both an art and a science, where nuances, cultural differences and linguistic quirks can lead to amusing and thought-provoking outcomes. These may be avoided by engaging a professional translator who is skilled, educated, and experienced.
On International Translation Day, let’s celebrate the professionals who work tirelessly to ensure that our words, ideas, and cultures can travel the world accurately and respectfully. These language blunders and cultural misunderstandings are unavoidable given the diversity of culture, and they serve as a reminder of the richness of human communication and the excitement of experiencing various cultures. While these translation blunders may provide a good laugh, they also emphasize the importance of skilled translators and cross-cultural understanding in our interconnected global society. Contact MCIS immediately to employ an expert to avoid these minor mistakes that cause confusion.
FAQs
Q: What is International Translation Day?
A: International Translation Day is celebrated on September 30th each year to honor the work of translators and interpreters and to promote the profession of translation.
Q: Are translation errors common in professional translation?
A: While professional translators strive for accuracy, translation errors can still occur, especially when dealing with complex languages and cultural nuances.
Q: How can I avoid translation errors in my own work?
A: To minimize translation errors, it’s essential to hire professional translators, proofread translations thoroughly, and consider cultural context. Contact MCIS to know more about hiring a professional translator.
Q: Can cultural misunderstandings be harmful?
A: While many cultural misunderstandings are harmless and can even be funny, some can be offensive or lead to miscommunications in business or diplomacy. It’s essential to be culturally sensitive and open to learning in such cases. It’s best to trust a professional to avoid hurting anyone or causing any trouble.