Common Translation Mistakes & How to Avoid Them

Understanding the goal of translation can be complex. Many people mistakenly assume that translation is simply about finding a word-for-word equivalent in another language. In reality, the essence of translation lies in conveying meaning to the target audience in a way that is accurate, effective, and culturally sensitive. Though this process can be challenging as there are numerous pitfalls to avoid when writing effective translations, it is incredibly rewarding.

A pencil erasing a mistake on a page and leaving its rubber marks in its wake..

Why Is Cultural Sensitivity Important in Translation?

Before diving into some of the common errors that complicate the translation process, we need to address the importance of cultural sensitivity when translating. Awareness of the target audience’s cultural context is vital to producing a relevant translation. Language is deeply intertwined with culture, words, phrases, and expressions and each carry meaning shaped by the customs, beliefs, values, and history of that particular culture. Without the right experience, resources, and research needed to develop a deep understanding of these cultural nuances, a translation can easily become inaccurate or lose its intended impact. With that being said, let's examine some common translation errors and discuss how to avoid them in order to produce a high-quality, accurate translation.

Trusting Word-for-Word Translations

As a translator, Google Translate is not your friend! Word-for-word translation can lead to awkward or incorrect phrasing. Idiomatic expressions, for example, often don’t translate directly into another language. For this reason, relying solely on automated, digital translators is risky unless combined with human judgment. For example, expressions that make sense in one language may be nonsensical in another. In English, “It’s a piece of cake” means something done easily, but when translated word-for-word into Spanish “Es un pedazo de pastel,” the intended meaning is lost. The Spanish reader might be confused since the phrase is not commonly used the same way in their cultural context. Instead, the translator should choose the most appropriate Spanish equivalent that conveys the same meaning. In this case, it would be “Es pan comido” which, in English, doesn’t make sense (“It’s eaten bread”) but still conveys the same intended meaning of “an easy task” in Spanish. As always, finding equivalent expressions that resonate with the target audience is the key to proper translation.

Failing to Consider the Context

Ignoring context can result in multiple misunderstandings when it comes to translation. Words can carry different meanings based on the situation or cultural nuances, and what may be acceptable in one language or culture could be offensive in another. This is particularly important in languages with multiple dialects or when the same language is spoken across different countries where a single word can take on varying meanings depending on the region. A translator needs to ensure that cultural references and connotations are both understandable and appropriate for the target audience.

Two individuals in shock at a translation error they're viewing on screen. The caption, "Words can carry different meanings based on the sitatuion or cultural nuances, and what may be acceptable in one language or culture could be offensive in another."

Forgetting to Be Consistent

Inconsistent use of terms for the same concept within a single document can confuse readers, particularly in documents with a variety of technical terminology. To prevent this, the translator must rely on their expertise, resources, and judgment to select the most accurate term and ensure its consistent usage throughout the translation. Specialized fields, like legal, medical, or technical, often use jargon that requires specific knowledge. Accurately translating these terms and remaining consistent with them within the body of work is essential to maintaining clarity and avoiding misunderstandings.

Assumptions Can Lead to Inaccuracies

Just because two languages share roots doesn't mean they are interchangeable. Translators need to remember that apparent similarities between words do not equate to the same meaning or usage in both languages. For example, false cognates (words that look or sound similar but have different meanings) are a common pitfall. For instance, the English word “actually” and the Spanish word “actualmente” both appear similar but have very different meanings: “actually” means “in fact” while “actualmente” means “currently.”

Forgetting to Maintain the Tone

Maintaining the original tone, whether it’s formal, informal, persuasive, or descriptive, can be challenging, especially when languages have different conventions. A formal document should remain formal, while a casual piece should retain its conversational tone. The tone encompasses not only the choice of words but also how those words convey emotion, attitude, and style. Preserving the tone of a text is especially challenging when translating poetry or song lyrics. Additionally, for translations that involve dialogue, missing non-verbal cues (like humour or sarcasm) can alter the intended message.

Failing to Navigate Client & Target Audience Expectations

Translators must balance the expectations of both clients and the target audience when translating. It’s essential to consider the audience's level of understanding and the client’s specific requirements, as failing to do so can lead to a translation that is too complex, incomplete, or simplistic. Clients often have requirements or guidelines (stylistic or otherwise) that should be incorporated into the translation process. As such, it’s crucial to review translations carefully to ensure accuracy, clarity, and professionalism, as inconsistencies, errors, or awkward phrasing can undermine the quality and credibility of the work.

A translator plays a vital role in bridging the gap between languages and enabling effective communication across diverse cultures and contexts. This responsibility involves navigating the intricacies of language, culture, and meaning to ensure that each translation is both accurate and culturally appropriate. Balancing technical precision with creativity and nuance can be challenging, but the impact of a translator’s work is invaluable in fostering connection and understanding.

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