Foreign Language Translation Challenges
If you’ve ever met someone who speaks your native tongue as their second language, they may have tried to explain something to you but been unable to. Afterwards, they could say that it’s easier to explain that concept in their own language. Why is this? Could your friend not have a complete grasp of your language, or do some languages have concepts that cannot be translated from one language to another? Many concepts of translation cannot be directly conveyed into English or other languages. For translators and interpreters, these difficult concepts may pose a problem when translating and interpreting. Even though many concepts cannot be directly conveyed between languages, if the concept is explained, the translator or interpreter is able to provide readers with a better understanding of the underlying meaning.
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What is a Language That Cannot Be Translated?
English lacks a direct translation for many foreign words and ideas. One especially challenging Japanese concept to translate is aware. This concept is not entirely untranslatable, but some of its meaning is lost in direct translation. The direct written translation of the meaning of the word, “the sadness of things,” fails to encompass the feelings experienced with nature motifs in the Heian period, a time when the courtly Japanese nobles spent their days writing poetry about nature, life, and love, and all the emotions associated with each.(For a better idea of Heian court culture, read The Tale of Genji by Murasaki Shikibu, the world’s first novel).
What are the 4 Basic Concepts of Translation?
Translators and interpreters working from English into other languages face similar issues. While idioms and other figures of speech cannot be translated and maintain their original meaning, other words with no foreign language equivalent also exist. Words embedded with American or English culture, like “bromance,” “kitsch,” and “spam,” do not have equivalent words in other languages. These are often words in other languages that don’t exist in English, and they exemplify how translating meaning across languages can be complex.
How to Translate Ideas into Language?
Even though some words may not have a direct equivalent in other languages, translators can still provide readers with an understanding of the concepts of translation for these words. If there is a written word that is similar but may not encompass the entire meaning of the original word, translators may decide to use it. As long as this word is not used multiple times or directly related to the theme of the text, a translator can do this without worrying about losing much of the original meaning. Depending on the text, the translator may decide to use a similar word that makes sense within the context, allowing translation ideas to remain intact.
What Do You Call a Language That Doesn’t Exist?
Sometimes though, a word may be central to a reader’s understanding of a text, given its frequent use. In such cases, the translator will need to provide a more detailed explanation of the word, rather than just choosing a word that is similar to the original word’s meaning. The translator can do so by describing the written word and its meaning, or by leaving the word in its original language and providing a translator’s note on what the word means. This is especially important for languages that are no longer in use or for those that don’t exist anymore.
Handling Difficult to Translate Words
While it can be argued that some languages that cannot be translated have words that are exclusive to a single language, translators can overcome this problem based on the text they are translating. For example, when dealing with boutique in other languages, or specific cultural terms, a similar word should be used. If a translator feels that readers will need a complete understanding of the word, the translator can provide this by explaining the concepts and meanings behind a word. This way, the original meaning of the text will be left intact, even after translating.
What Type of Translation Is Most Difficult?
Foreign language translation can be complex, especially when it involves words in other languages that don’t exist in English. Some concepts meaning in English do not translate well into other languages, making the task of the translator even more difficult. Sometimes, even if a concept can be explained, the emotional or cultural depth behind the word may be lost. This makes certain types of translation more difficult than others, especially when trying to translate a concept or an idea embedded in cultural nuances.
At Translation Excellence, we specialize in translating complex concepts that don’t exist in other languages. Our expert team ensures every idea is communicated with accuracy and cultural sensitivity, maintaining the integrity of your message across languages. Let us help you break through language barriers with precision.
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