The Importance of Culture in Translation Work

Translation does not only involve translating text from the initial language to the other language one word at a time. This does not guarantee you quality in your translations as you can't express accurately the meaning of the initial text if the translation only concentrates on words.

Actually, there is a difference between the in built meanings and the meaning that is to be captured & expressed. Translators might have many problems when translating from text between languages. This is why they need to think differently and direct their attention on different environmental aspects.

Translation does not simply mean replacing words with the same meaning, but finding accurate ways of saying the same thing in a different language. If you want excellent translations then you must stress on the target languages culture. It is this aspect itself that helps you communicate the message as it should be. This also helps avoid misunderstandings.

Before starting on the translation, the translator must research the lexical content & syntax of the targeted language with ideologies, ways of life and value systems of that culture. This helps in getting an idea of the audience of both the languages and the different elements that are a part of the target language. Let us given an example. There is lots of difference between French that is spoken in Europe and French that is spoken in Canadian states. This is also the case for English.

Here are some key elements to consider when you are translating :-

1. Consider cultural factors like pictures, colors and symbols as one picture might have a negative connotation in another country. Like, white is used for mourning in Japan whereas in European countries the color for mourning is black. Similarly, pictures can have cultural/ political implications & can also cause problems among the audience that is targeted.
2. Remember the target audience when using vocabulary, grammar and punctuation as it does impact the language style.
3. You should be very careful about something humorous. The target audience may not like the way it is written or might not even be able to understand it. Thus, it is very important to think of the society and culture while translating.
4. You should verify the connotations of the name of the product in the target language, as it might mean something else. This is more important when you are translating for global market campaigns.
5. You should be aware of traditions and customs. It may be some vows, a festival, a marriage, a funeral, etc. Translators may run into trouble if they do not understand the significance of the occasion before translating. Example :- In Christian marriages, exchange of kisses is a part of the ceremony even though it is inappropriate. It is even outrageous to express feelings in public.

Thus, if you wish to be a good translator, you must have a thorough understanding of the culture of the language from which you are translating as well as the language to which you are going to translate.

Luka Malgaj is the main editor of the Slovenian linguistics portal Prevajanje. Prevajanje is the main educational portal for linguists and translators.