The challenges of translation: when words have no equivalent

Translation is much more than a simple linguistic conversion. Not only must it adapt to a context, subject area, and style, but it also involves understanding and conveying cultural nuances, specific concepts, and idiomatic expressions that sometimes seem untranslatable.

A recurring difficulty is that some languages have words or expressions that have no true direct equivalent in others, making their translation complex and requiring adapted strategies.

Untranslatable words and their challenges

Some languages have unique terms that reflect specific cultural realities. Translating these words can be difficult, as it is not merely a question of finding a lexical equivalent, but also of conveying their deeper meaning. Here are some well-known examples:

• "Saudade" (Portuguese): A feeling of deep nostalgia mixed with melancholy and the longing for something or someone unattainable.
• "Tingo" (Rapanui, language spoken in Easter Island): Describes the action of gradually taking a friend's possessions by borrowing items until they have none left.
• "Wabi-sabi" (Japanese) An aesthetic concept that values imperfection, transience, and beauty in simplicity.
• "Schadenfreude" (German) The pleasure derived from seeing others' misfortunes.
• "Dépaysement" (French): A feeling of confusion or strangeness experienced when in an environment completely different from what you are used to.

Translation strategies

Faced with these challenges, translators adopt different approaches:

a) Adaptation

When a word has no direct equivalent, it can be adapted according to the cultural context. For example, "hygge" (Danish), which denotes a warm and cosy atmosphere, can be translated into English as "cocooning", although the concept is not entirely identical.

b) Amplification

Some words require a longer explanation to convey their meaning. "Saudade" is often translated as "nostalgia" in English, but an additional explanation is often needed to account for its emotional intensity.

c) Borrowing

Sometimes, a word is simply integrated into the target language, especially when there is no precise equivalent. For example, "Schadenfreude" is sometimes used as is in English and French.

d) Compensation

When direct translation does not convey all the nuances of a term, a translator may compensate by using other elements of the text to convey the idea.

Cultural and emotional impact

Translation is not limited to words: it must also convey emotions and cultural context. A word like "sobremesa" (Spanish), which refers to the enjoyable time spent at the table after a meal, has no direct equivalent in many languages, but its social significance is essential.

Similarly, some idiomatic expressions, like "raining cats and dogs" in English, must be reformulated to be understandable in other languages (in French: "il pleut des cordes").

Conclusion

Translating is much more than converting words from one language to another. It is a subtle craft that requires a great knowledge of languages, cultures, and contexts. When a word has no exact equivalent, the translator must show creativity and ingenuity to convey its essence. This is what makes translation so fascinating and essential to communication between cultures.

At AbroadLink, we place paramount importance on selecting qualified translators who are experts in their fields. This allows us to provide translations that are faithful to the original text while incorporating the necessary adaptations to align with the linguistic and cultural particularities of the target audience.

Using a translation agency to translate your marketing documents, your website, or other content is the best way to succeed in your international expansion.