 |
| Lost in Translation |
Speaking a foreign language can be mastered, yet it comes with numerous challenges. Even when conversing fluently, grammatical rules might occasionally slip, leading to translation errors. Mistakes are inevitable. However, for translators, even minor errors can cause significant issues. Here are ten translation mistakes that have led to major problems:
Do Nothing
HSBC Bank’s slogan “Assume Nothing” was mistranslated in some countries as “Do Nothing.” This error forced the bank to spend $10 million on rebranding to mitigate the damage.
We Will Bury You
During a speech by Soviet Prime Minister Nikita Khrushchev, an interpreter mistakenly translated a phrase to “we will bury you,” which was perceived as a threat, suggesting a nuclear attack from Russia on the US.
Intoxicated
In 1980, a translation error led to a tragic outcome. A Spanish-speaking man was brought to a Florida emergency room, described by his friends as “intoxicado,” which was misunderstood as “intoxicated” instead of “poisoned.” The delay in proper treatment resulted in paralysis and a $71 million lawsuit against the hospital.
Markets Tumble
A poorly translated Chinese article caused panic in the foreign exchange market. The original post was casual, but the English translation made it appear authoritative, causing the US dollar's value to drop.
Chocolates for Him
A mistranslation in Japan led to a unique Valentine’s Day custom. Women were informed they should give chocolate to men on February 14th, and men reciprocate on March 14th.
A Company Near Its Demise
In 2012, Sharp Corp.'s earnings report was mistranslated. The English version mentioned a “material doubt” about the company’s future, causing a 75% annual decline and nearly bankrupting the company.
Sheng Long
In the game “Street Fighter II,” a character's phrase “Rising Dragon” was mistranslated to “Sheng Long.” This led players on a futile search for a non-existent character, wasting significant time.
Your Lusts for the Future
During President Carter’s 1977 visit to Poland, an interpreter translated “your desires for the future” as “your lusts for the future,” resulting in a humorous yet awkward situation.
Waitangi Trouble
A treaty between Maori chiefs and the British government was mistranslated, leading the Maori to believe they could self-govern while gaining a legal system. This misunderstanding still affects discussions today.
Moses’s Horns
St. Jerome's translation of the Old Testament from Hebrew to Latin mistakenly rendered “radiance” as “horned.” This error led to depictions of Moses with horns in various artworks.
As these examples illustrate, translation errors can have serious consequences. While not all mistakes lead to disasters, some can result in significant misunderstandings or panic. Therefore, translators must exercise great care and possess extensive knowledge to ensure accuracy.
Translators play a crucial role in bridging communication gaps, and their work demands precision and a deep understanding of both languages and cultures. Here are a few key takeaways for ensuring high-quality translations:
- Attention to Context: Understanding the cultural and situational context is essential to avoid misinterpretations. This involves recognizing idiomatic expressions, cultural references, and the subtleties of language.
- Continuous Learning: Language is constantly evolving, and staying updated with the latest linguistic developments is crucial. Translators should continually enhance their skills through education and practice.
- Expertise in Specific Fields: Specialized knowledge in fields such as medicine, law, and technology is vital. A translator with expertise in a specific domain can provide more accurate and reliable translations.
- Use of Professional Services: Utilizing professional translation services can significantly reduce errors. These services often employ experienced linguists and rigorous quality control processes.
- Proofreading and Editing: A thorough review process, including proofreading and editing by a second translator, can catch mistakes that might have been overlooked initially.
- Effective Communication: Translators should maintain open communication with clients to clarify ambiguities and ensure that the intended meaning is accurately conveyed.
By adhering to these principles, translators can minimize errors and produce translations that faithfully represent the original content. In a world that relies heavily on global communication, the importance of accurate translation cannot be overstated.