LANGUAGES

Translation: so easy that Google can do it for us? ✍️

Let’s admit it, we’ve all been there. Despite all of our German teachers telling us that we shouldn’t use Google translate, it is always so tempting. But what is it exactly about translation that makes it so hard? Even if we know all the words, there is something about putting a perfectly natural sounding text into another language that is so inexplicably difficult. Of course, there is no 1:1 mapping between two languages, even two very similar ones. By this, I mean that translation is never a case of simply exchanging a word in one language for the equivalent in another. Different factors such as grammar, culture, sounds, sarcasm, and more make it difficult for both humans and machines to translate accurately. So, what are the main reasons translation can be so difficult?

💡 Things to consider

• Are some words simply “untranslatable”? In terms of lexis (words), some languages have words that have no direct translation in other languages. Take the Danish word “hygge”, which broadly translates to the cosy, intimate, peaceful feeling you get around a warm fire. Similarly, there is the Hawaiian “pana po’o”, referring to the act of scratching your head to help you with something you have forgotten. Both are concepts we can grasp as English speakers, but also ones our language struggles to represent concisely. As a translator, would you leave them untranslated and add an explanation as a footnote? Or would you try and translate it, even at a risk of sounding clunky?

  

  Another untranslatable word?

• Localisation: Localisation is a process of making a text more “relatable” or specific to a different audience or region. In terms of translation, this could mean anything from changing the currency or other units of measurement, or explaining or substituting entirely different culturally significant references. For example, if an English text used the expression “it’s like Piccadilly Circus”, we know from the extralinguistic context that this is describing a very busy place with lots of hustle and bustle. But what if you are translating the text into another language, for an audience who are less likely to know what or where Piccadilly Circus even is? To what extent do you think we should localise translations? Do you think there are also arguments for keeping some cultural-specific elements?

  

  Piccadilly Circus

• Text type: Beyond lexical and grammatical choices, we also need to consider how the specific elements of a certain text type can often compete with the need to convey a certain meaning. Take a poem, for example. If it has a rhyme scheme, imagine the likelihood of finding words that translate the original meaning accurately, and rhyme with other words in subsequent lines; the chances are low. Now think about the overall rhythm and stress patterns. Different languages divide stress differently, and when accounting for the potential need to keep the number of syllables consistent (such as in limericks), it seems impossible to achieve this with keeping meaning consistent! And what about sounds? Some poems rely on alliteration, sibilance, or other literary devices to convey meaning … who knew translating a simple sentence could be so difficult? To put another spanner in the works (sorry!), if you are dubbing a film, there is also the visual aspect to consider; speaker needs to look as though they are producing the same sounds using the same articulators in their mouth. What factors do you think are most important? Is meaning a priority over all other factors? Or should a compromise be made?

  

🔎 Find out more

• 23 Fascinating Words with no direct English Translations

• How to translate poetry

🍒 The cherry on top

• 🐞 Insect Aesthetics: Ever considered bugs beautiful? In this captivating video, we dive into the revolutionary work of 16th-century Flemish artist Joris Hoefnagel, whose stunningly detailed illustrations transformed insects from mere pests into fascinating subjects of art and science. Discover why Antwerp was the perfect backdrop for this blend of naturalism and creativity, forever changing how we see the tiny creatures around us in this short video.Great if you’re into Art or Science!

• 📚 The Future of Literary Criticism: Should critics strive to produce art — or focus on careful analysis? GD Dess’s essay tackles this debate, questioning whether today’s critics should embrace personal expression or adhere to traditional, scholarly methods like close reading. Great if you like Literature!

• 🎢 Physics of Rollercoasters: Ever wondered why rollercoasters feel so thrilling (and sometimes terrifying?) This article dives deep into the science behind the screams, explaining how gravity, energy conservation, and even G-forces combine to give you those stomach-flipping moments. A must-read if you’re into Physics.

👀 Keep your eyes peeled for…

• Thursday 7th August

  • Brunel University of London Clearing Webinar

• Monday 11th August

  • Christ’s College Cambridge Personal Statements Webinar

🗳️ Poll