Lost in Translation: She must be Crazy
Translation is not just about converting words from one language to another, it is a complex process that involves understanding the context, culture, and nuances of the language. A small mistake in translation can lead to big misunderstandings, and sometimes it can even make a person appear to be crazy. In this article, we will explore some examples of mistranslations that have caused confusion and chaos in the world.
The Missing Egg in the Recipe
In the 18th century, a French chef named Antoine-Augustin Parmentier was captured by the Prussian army and survived on a diet of potatoes. When he returned to France, he wanted to promote the use of potatoes as a food source but faced resistance as the locals considered it unfit for consumption. To change their perception, he created a dish called \"Pommes de Terre\" which was made of potatoes, milk, and eggs. However, the recipe's translation was incorrect, and the egg was left out. The dish was not as successful, and people viewed potatoes as a tasteless food.
The Cultural Misunderstanding at the Olympics
In the 1968 Olympics held in Mexico City, the Moroccan runner Abderrahim Taleb was disqualified from the marathon race. The reason was that he had broken a rule by receiving water from a spectator during the race. The Moroccan coach protested that he had not understood the rule due to a mistranslation. In the Arabic language, the word \"water\" can refer to any liquid, while the official rule stated \"drinks.\" The coach argued that the athlete had not drunk any water but only a sports drink. Despite this, Taleb was disqualified, and the incident sparked outrage in the Arab world as it was viewed as a cultural misunderstanding.
The Lost in Translation Song Lyrics
The most famous example of a mistranslation in song lyrics is the hit song \"Sukiyaki,\" which was produced by the Japanese artist Kyu Sakamoto in 1963. The song's title is a type of Japanese hot pot dish, and the lyrics talk about a boy walking in the rain. However, the English version's lyrics were changed and did not relate to the original text. The song's name was changed to \"My Way,\" and the lyrics talked about a man reflecting on his life and approaching death, which was a significant departure from the original lyrics. The song's popularity continued worldwide, and many people were unaware of the mistranslation.
These examples show how small mistakes in translation can lead to significant consequences. It emphasizes the importance of hiring professional translators who can provide accurate translations that capture the essence of the original text. A single word, cultural norm, or interpretation can drastically change the meaning of a message, leading to confusion or misunderstanding. So next time you come across a poorly translated document, remember, the person behind it is not crazy but may have just been lost in translation.
