Paying Attention to Cultural Differences in Translation

Doing a translation is not as easy as it seems. The important aspects in translating a language to other language are not just the actual translation, but also the point where we can make the readers fully understand what we are saying. One of the biggest challenges in doing this task is by no doubt, cultural differences.

How can cultural differences be such an important element in translation? Well, here is one example of cultural differences in translation. If you are translating an advertisement in France to Dutch, it will be way easier for you to just translate it word for word, won’t it? But what happen is, the main point might be delivered right, but the humor and cultural shade will be lost. The advertisement would become clear and sadly dry.

Another thing to keep in mind is that some countries prefer formal language, especially when talking to a respected people, older people, or business partners. But this is not the case in some other countries. For example it is normal to begin a conversation with informal pronoun in Netherland, while it is definitely not for Germany. When translating to German, it is very important to have a formal speech. Speaking to someone in a professional position, the informal “you” should not even be used.

These differences of cultures happen, even in the same country. Javanese people are soft and subtle speakers, while Batavia’s people are not. In this case, Javanese people take the circuital road before saying the main thing to someone, and with a very smooth way. While Batavia’s say it loudly, directly, and easily interrupt other people. With the huge differences between them, you will have to find a way for a translation between them so that these cultures don’t crash.

In the activity of translation, it always involves at least two different languages and two different cultural traditions. Realize it or not, the translators will have this problem right in front of their faces on how to treat the inexplicit cultural aspects of the source language to find the suitable technique to successfully deliver this message in the target language.

So now that we are on the same side, we agreed that cultural differences in translation is very important. And the after this, we are going to talk about what are the other cultures differences that affect the daily activity of one’s life. Don’t miss our next article!

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