Lost in Translation

Synopsis

Spoken by over 700 million jabbering individuals, the English language has travelled to all corners of the globe - unfortunately, some of it has got a bit muddled along the way ...

Lost in Translation: Misadventures in English Abroad affectionately demonstrates the very best - and worst - instances of genuine grammar-gargling from around the world, discovered by the author and his intrepid team of researchers. It includes everything from hilarious hotel signs to baffling advertisements, such as the German beauty product offering a 'cream shower for pretentious skin', the notice at a French swiming pool which proclaimed that 'swimming is forbidden in the absence of the saviour', or the warning sign at a Czech zoo which instructed visitors: 'No smoothen the lion'.

Summary

Chapter 1: The Tower of Babel

This chapter explores the legendary Tower of Babel as a metaphor for humanity's linguistic diversity. It argues that language is fundamental to human communication and understanding, but it also creates barriers and misunderstandings.

Real Example: The author discusses the experience of a Korean-American woman who faces discrimination and exclusion due to her accent. She tries to overcome this by learning perfect English, but her efforts are met with resistance.

Chapter 2: No Two Words Are the Same

This chapter delves into the nuances and complexities of language. It explains how words have different meanings in different contexts, and how cultural background and experiences influence our understanding of them.

Real Example: The author provides the example of the word "love." Different cultures have different conceptions of love, and the same word can evoke vastly different emotions and ideas.

Chapter 3: Lost in Translation

This chapter focuses on the difficulties of translating one language into another. It discusses the challenges of capturing the subtleties and cultural nuances of the original text, and the inevitable losses that occur in the process.

Real Example: The author analyzes the translation of a Chinese poem into English. While the English version conveys the basic meaning, it fails to capture the rich imagery and emotional depth of the original.

Chapter 4: The Politics of Translation

This chapter examines the political implications of translation. It explains how translation can be used to promote or suppress certain cultures and ideologies, and how it can shape our understanding of the world.

Real Example: The author discusses the case of the Bible, which has been translated into countless languages. These translations have played a significant role in shaping religious beliefs and cultural practices around the globe.

Chapter 5: The Future of Translation

This chapter explores the challenges and opportunities facing translation in the digital age. It discusses the impact of machine translation, globalization, and the rise of multilingualism.

Real Example: The author examines the use of machine translation in international communication. While machine translation is becoming more sophisticated, it still struggles to capture the nuances and complexities of human language.

Conclusion: Embracing Ambiguity

This chapter concludes the book by arguing that we should embrace the ambiguity and uncertainty of translation. It explains that translation is not about finding perfect equivalents, but about bridging cultural and linguistic divides.

Real Example: The author highlights the importance of open-mindedness and empathy in the translation process. By respecting the original text and the target culture, translators can create works that foster understanding and dialogue.