Why Translation Can be Difficult
- Date: 2007-05-21 - Word Count: 341
Share This!
Do you sometimes wonder why certain materials are badly translated? One of these reasons why translation is difficult is a phenomenon known as polysemy: the many meanings that a single word can take.
For example, In English, the word plain can take on the following meanings:
ordinary / undecorated: a plain white shirt
easy / simple to understand: plain English
a level area of land: great plains
Due to polysemy, translating English into other languages is more complex than it seems. One will have to know which sense of the word is truly needed.
For example, there are over 20 ways to saying "to get" in French. This is because there are multiple meanings of "get" that are used in English, but the French must use a different word for each of those meanings. This concept isn't that obvious, but this can give translators some trouble.
At basic levels of French, most are taught the verb obtenir ("to get"). But which sense of the word "get" is really used here? Obtenir is used when something is acquired (it looks like the English word obtain). A different word must be used if you want "get" to take on a different meaning.
In each of the following sentences "get" takes a different meaning:
I need to get some bread. (buy)
I get the idea. (understand)
We need to get home. (arrive)
This is just one word out of many which can cause translation difficulty. One must study the context carefully and do not try to translate word for word, or even worse, rely on an automated translator. Translation done by a machine can produce very awkward and often hilarious results which make no sense at all. Automatic translators are only useful for giving a brief overview (the gist of what is being said) of the main ideas being discussed. How will a machine translator know which sense of a word is being used, especially if that word has many homonyms? Looking at the context (or surrounding words) is somewhat useful, but it is not always fool-proof. Only a human being can determine what the best translation is.
For example, In English, the word plain can take on the following meanings:
ordinary / undecorated: a plain white shirt
easy / simple to understand: plain English
a level area of land: great plains
Due to polysemy, translating English into other languages is more complex than it seems. One will have to know which sense of the word is truly needed.
For example, there are over 20 ways to saying "to get" in French. This is because there are multiple meanings of "get" that are used in English, but the French must use a different word for each of those meanings. This concept isn't that obvious, but this can give translators some trouble.
At basic levels of French, most are taught the verb obtenir ("to get"). But which sense of the word "get" is really used here? Obtenir is used when something is acquired (it looks like the English word obtain). A different word must be used if you want "get" to take on a different meaning.
In each of the following sentences "get" takes a different meaning:
I need to get some bread. (buy)
I get the idea. (understand)
We need to get home. (arrive)
This is just one word out of many which can cause translation difficulty. One must study the context carefully and do not try to translate word for word, or even worse, rely on an automated translator. Translation done by a machine can produce very awkward and often hilarious results which make no sense at all. Automatic translators are only useful for giving a brief overview (the gist of what is being said) of the main ideas being discussed. How will a machine translator know which sense of a word is being used, especially if that word has many homonyms? Looking at the context (or surrounding words) is somewhat useful, but it is not always fool-proof. Only a human being can determine what the best translation is.
Related Tags: learning, language, words, meaning, foreign languages, translation, linguistics, homonyms, phonics, language characteristics, polysemy
Your Article Search Directory : Find in Articles
Recent articles in this category:
- 10 Mistakes to Avoid When Writing an Article
Here are 10 mistakes that writers tend to make when writing articles for newsletters or magazines. K - Invigorate Your Healthcare Writing With Words That Are Short, Sweet, And Full of Energy
There are certain kinds of phrasing and word choice, especially in official statements, that can soa - The Case For Customizing Content
You have to consider every angle when you are writing. There are lots of rules to follow and tips to - Writing Strategies For Creating Viral Content
For anybody involved in content marketing the need to develop writing strategies that will produce t - Three Key Ways a Writing Coach Can Improve Your College Admission Essay
In an article entitled "Writing The Essay: Sound Advice from an Expert", Parke Muth, Senior Assistan - Acquiring A Fantastic Proxy - Proxy List
A proxy or proxy server is applied for both effortless obtain to your certain useful resource like a - Turnkey Sites & Website Templates - A Comparison
I'm constantly finding emails soon after a person buys a offer of Site Desing templates. Some men an - Standard Manual For Laptop Or Computer Elements & Software
For many people today, computer system sections plus the innards of the computer system are anything - Different Kinds Of Cameras Can Be Used For Webcams
There are many physical components that make the technology of the PC camera webcam work. The import - What Can Pc Camera Webcam Bring To Us And How It Works?
The PC camera webcam can be used in a wide range of aspects. Such as personal "Big Brother" style di
Most viewed articles in this category:
- Don't Put Off Writing that Book!
If writing that book you've always had in mind tops your list of resolutions or regrets, hiring a wr - How To Write A Better Press Release
A press release is the most effective way to generate free publicity for your business or organizati - Writing on the Hoof
Finding inspiration when you are writing is often a haphazard affair. When you are physically ready - Focus On Nigeria
Focus on Nigeria Nigеria is a natural gas and oil rich country that is bordеrеd b - How to Write Great Dialogue in Your Book
Dialogue isn't so much read as it is heard by the reader. The eyes see the words on the page, the b - Women SUV Driver from www.thefrap.com
Why do so many women drive around in the oversized SUV's, the Tahoe, Excursion, Escalade - How To Write Good Articles
As a writer you may be ready to cash in on the need for web content. There is a lot of money that c - NEWS FLASH: Technical Communicator Saves World
I had a boss several years ago who was amused by my earnest and relentless preaching about the impor - Writers Resources
Writers use certain inherent talents to come up with their pieces of writing. However, they do need - Popular Articles
Articles are those that are available in plenty these days in the internet. The articles are written