Key Points
- Introduction
- Examples of Translation Mistakes
- Translation Errors in Marketing
- How to Avoid Translation Error
- Suggested Solutions for Translation Errors
- Translation Mistakes in Specific Languages
- Trust TE For Accurate Translation
Table of Contents
Introduction
Mistakes in translations, whether minor or significant, represent a major concern for professional translators and interpreters. Not only do such mistakes damage the reputation of the profession, but they also directly impact the effectiveness of legal counsel, medical treatment, marketing campaigns, and many other areas.
Translation mistakes are not limited to newcomers to the profession. Even experienced professionals can make errors due to simple oversight, lack of context provided by the client, or failing to translate materials accurately. For instance, the recent case of Deisy Garcia highlights the severe consequences of translation errors. Garcia’s tragic story underscores the critical importance of accurate translation in serious situations compared to more trivial contexts like video game localization.
Examples of Translation Mistakes
Here are some notable examples of translation mistakes and how professional language services could have prevented them:
Medical Translation Mistakes
Willie Ramirez Case (1980): An 18-year-old was misdiagnosed due to a translation error. A bilingual staff member translated “intoxicado” as “intoxicated,” leading medical staff to treat Ramirez for a drug overdose instead of food poisoning. This tragic mistake could have been avoided by using a professional interpreter who understood the word’s context.
Lesson: Medical translation mistakes can have life-threatening consequences, emphasizing the need for professional medical interpreters.
Legal Translation Mistakes
Deisy Garcia Case: Garcia’s husband murdered her and their two small children, a tragedy that might have been prevented if police had proper procedures for translating Spanish-only domestic violence complaints into English. This highlights the critical need for accurate legal translations.
Lesson: Errors in certified translations in legal contexts can lead to severe misunderstandings and miscarriages of justice.
Translation Errors in Marketing
HSBC Bank Rebranding (2009): The bank’s catchphrase, “Assume Nothing,” was incorrectly translated as “Do Nothing” in multiple countries. This costly mistake could have been avoided by using professional transcreators with country-specific marketing knowledge.
Lesson: Translation gone wrong in marketing can tarnish a brand’s image and lead to significant financial losses.
Gaming Translation Error
Rising Dragon Misinterpretation: In a Japanese video game, “Rising Dragon” was incorrectly translated as “Sheng Long,” confusing players. Understanding the game’s context could have prevented this error.
Lesson: Translation mistakes in games can disrupt the gaming experience and confuse players.
Political Translation Mistakes
President Carter’s Misinterpreted Speech: During a speech, Carter’s phrases were wrongly interpreted by a Russian interpreter, leading to embarrassing miscommunications. This error could have been avoided by using a qualified interpreter fluent in the needed languages.
Lesson: Translation error in political contexts can lead to diplomatic misunderstandings and international tensions.
How to Avoid Translation Error
Ensure Correct Source Material
The saying “garbage in, garbage out” applies to translation. Ensure your source material is free from errors before translation begins.
Avoiding Machine Translation
While machine translators have improved, they lack the nuance and context understanding required for accurate translations. Always opt for human translators, especially for complex texts.
Hire Professional Translators
Use skilled and certified translators who understand the cultural, contextual, and linguistic nuances. This is crucial for avoiding medical mistakes, legal errors, and marketing blunders.
Proofreading
Always proofread translations. Having a native speaker review the translation can catch errors and ensure the content is accurate and culturally appropriate.
Suggested Solutions for Translation Errors
- Provide clear context and intent behind the text.
- Use glossaries and style guides.
- Engage in continuous professional development for translators.
Translation Mistakes in Specific Languages
Mistakes in Spanish Translation
Prepositions and homophones can be tricky. Ensure proper use and understanding of context.
Avoid false cognates like “asistir” (to attend) instead of “to assist.”
Mistakes in French Translation
Pay attention to adjective placement and formal language use.
Be aware of regional dialects and idiomatic expressions.
Trust TE For Accurate Translation
Translation mistakes can have far-reaching consequences, from minor misunderstandings to life-threatening errors. By choosing telephonic interpretation (TE) for accurate translation, hiring professional translators, ensuring accurate source material, avoiding machine translations, and thorough proofreading, many of these mistakes can be prevented. Understanding the complexities of language translation and taking proactive steps can help maintain the integrity and effectiveness of your communications.
Have you seen similar translation mistakes? What do you think are the best ways to make sure these kinds of mistakes don’t happen in the future?
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