What can go wrong in translation?

There can be multiple ways — sometimes dozens — of saying the same thing in another language. Add to that things like syntax, grammar, colloquialisms, and any other number of examples of linguistic nuance, and the potential for mistakes is huge.

Was Hiroshima a translation mistake?

The consequences of a translation mistake The atomic bomb was dropped on Hiroshima 10 days later. A translation error that instantaneously killed more than 70,000 people, and some 100,000 more as a result of the destruction and radiation.

What is the great Mokusatsu mistake?

Mokusatsu was used in a response to the Allied demand in the Potsdam Declaration that Japan surrender unconditionally in World War II. It was understood to mean that Japan had rejected those terms, a perceived outright rejection that contributed to President Harry S.

What does Mokusatsu mean in Japanese?

mokusatsu “” •ir-suru, v. take no notice of; treat. (anything) with silent contempt; ignore [by keeping silence]; remain in a wise and masterly inactivity. -Kenkyusha’s )/ew Japanese – English Dictionary, p.

Do translators make mistakes?

Translation is a complex and demanding job which requires a lot of concentration and intelligence; this complexity is why translators make mistakes. Thankfully, because professional translators are so qualified, mistakes happen very rarely and can normally be easily resolved.

What are the causes of translation errors?

Some errors are also caused by using inappropriate translation methods and tools in order to save. Here are some of the translation errors over the years that caused disastrous results.

Is there such a thing as “Translate server error”?

Needless to say, it was a bit embarrassing for the U.S. government. In China, there is a restaurant called “Translate server error”. The owner attempted to translate the Chinese word for restaurant into English but the machine translation produced an error.

What are the consequences of product translation blunders?

Translation blunders are costly for the company brand and product. In some cases, a product pull-out and re-branding is necessary for a specific market. In other instances, it may take years for the brand to recover from the unintentional mistake, which can cost the company millions to rectify.

Are translation errors costing your brand and product?

It’s a fact that translation errors have created disastrous results for a number of foreign brands trying to capture new markets overseas. Translation blunders are costly for the company brand and product. In some cases, a product pull-out and re-branding is necessary for a specific market.