Have you ever fallen into the temptation of converting each word in a sentence from one language to another in the name of language translation?

You are not alone. So, welcome to language translation 101.

The sad fact about that kind of translation is that most languages have more than one meaning for most of their words. So if only one meaning is used, the translation can lead to a terrible linguistic error like was the case that led to the Hiroshima bombing.

The fatal translation story reveals that if the right translation had been used, chances are, Japan would not have been bombed. However, international news agencies translated Japanese Premier Kantaro Suzuki’s response to the call for surrender, “Mokusatsu” to mean, ‘not worthy of comment’.

Kenkyusha’s New Japanese to English dictionary however indicates that ‘mokusatsu’ has more than one usage. It could also mean, take no notice of, treat with silent contempt, ignore by keeping silence or remain in wise and masterly inactivity. Suzuki’s desire to withhold his comment was ignored and Hiroshima was brought down to ashes.

That is why hiring a professional language translator comes in handy.

So, What is Language Translation?

According to Britanica.com, “translation is usually thought of as the conversion of a written text (i.e., a text consisting of visual symbols recorded in a physical or electronic medium) in one language into a written text in another.”

While the emphasis is on written text, oral translation continues to hold its flag high. Otherwise, United Nations meetings would never take place. Such meetings attract nationalities from all over the world, and each needs to digest the message of the day in the language they best flow in. That calls for translation of the speech on the fly—simultaneous interpretation. No breaks allowed. Mind you, Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian and Spanish are the official languages spoken at the UN meetings.

A Bite of Language Translation History

Ever heard of the story of the fellows who decided to build a tall tower in the vibrant metropolis of Babylonia—current-day Iraq—to reach heaven and become famous?

The narrative goes on to say that as these audacious fellows carried on, God confused their language such that no two people could understand each other. That is not an easy picture to digest. To cut the long story short, the construction of the Tower of Babel was called off.

While the story may irritate many, let us first appreciate these fellows ambitious plans. And then if you look at the fateful moment through an entrepreneur’s lens, you will see the creation of job opportunities. Or shall we say, the reason why Dayax Translate exists?

Every tragedy brings a benefit.

But beyond business, language translation transcends to human flair and floss. Or do you not see how boring the world would be with only one language to communicate in?

Think of the person who speaks and write in several different languages, fluently. Someone in the reign of John Bowring, the fourth Governor of Hongkong who could speak 100 different languages. Or the New York-born hyper-polyglot Tim Doner who speaks more than 23 languages. Think of the reverence given to him today!

Honoring Language Translation

Professional language translation eases dialogue and working together of nations around the world. It is an important pillar in solidifying world peace, security and trade. Thanks to the UN General Assembly translators and other language specialists around the world can now celebrate their career in International Translation Day every year.

For years the particular day was only recognized as the Feast of St. Jerome. St. Jerome, or Eusebius Sophronius in Latin, is considered the patron saint of translators. He is the translator behind the Latin Bible, the Vulgate. It is believed that he died on 30^th September 420 near Bethlehem, Palestine.

However, such a legend was not going to leave the world uncelebrated. So the UN General Assembly on 24^th May 2017 declared St. Jerome’s death date as the International Translation Day!

To spice it up, the UN invites translators around the world to participate in the UN St. Jerome Translation contest on International Translators Day each year. They compete in translating content in the six UN official languages plus German, with the leading translators receiving awards. The competition is open to professional translators, students, and interns to mention but a few.

This competition introduces students to the world of institutional translation, with the winners winning internships with the UN. They also learn how translating works in high-status international organizations.

Translating Your Content

At Dayax Translate we appreciate and uphold the power of languages. We believe that all languages matter, even those that have difficult-to-write sounds and syllables. The communities speaking such languages are part of this beautiful world. And without them, the world would be bland.

Every language in the world presents a job opportunity for a language translator and a bridge for all of us to communicate with someone else. So the next time you come across symbols that seem not to add up, talk to us. If it interests you, it is our business. Someone in our team will help you interpret it. We do not mean to brag but we are yet to come across a language that cannot be translated.

You or your organization need translation services. Hang around this blog for more articles explaining why you need our services and how that will transform your life and the growth of your organization. The translation narrative has just begun.

But while you wait, remember, language translation is not for the faint-hearted. This is what we mean.‘Kutoka nje’ is the Swahili phrase for ‘Getting out’. What other translation errors have you seen in your environment that you believe cost someone something? Share it in the comment section below.