Untranslatable Words from Other Cultures

Sometimes we have to use a couple of sentences to explain only one word… I experience this when I translate from Turkish to English mostly. Since American or English culture is more familiar to us all, we generally do not need to explain things in so much detail (of course it depends on Skopos). We generally adopt the culture-specific words which are known globally. On the other hand, Turkish culture is not that much familiar to most people. We have to explain culture specific words for the translation to be fluent and understandable.

Well, let’s see some these words which cannot be translated just as they are. 🙂

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For more untranslatable words, visit the source website: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/ella-frances-sanders/11-untranslatable-words-f_b_3817711.html?utm_hp_ref=tw

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What does “Third World Country” Mean?

Before reading this article, I used to think that the term “Third World Country” means something about the rateof development; however, this is just a rough generalization and misconception. As language-lovers and translators, we should pay extra attention to such sensitive issues. We can offend the reader or even get very negative reactions. We should use more general and “rounded” terms instead of certain expressions when the issue is controversial.

Here is the article explaining what “Third World Country” means. I hope it is informative! Thanks DAVEN HISKEY for this precious information.

“Today I found out a “Third World” country is not a country that simply is primitive, underdeveloped, or poor, as most people think.  In fact, a third world country is actually just a country that is not considered a capitalist country (first world) and not considered a communist country (2nd world).

This terminology was originally coined just after WWII with the “first world” countries being roughly all the countries that were aligned with the United States after WWII with more or less common political and economic structure (capitalists); the “second world” countries were all those that roughly aligned with the Soviet Union in terms of their political and economic structure (communists and socialists); the “third world” countries were just everybody else.

This “everybody else” meaning included an awful lot of countries that were underdeveloped or poor.  Through time, this has given rise to the misconception that “third world” means only countries that are underdeveloped and poor, even though there were, and still are, many countries in this group that are very well developed and a few of them are among the wealthiest nations in the world.”

Click here to read more.

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How to Deal With Criticism

It was one of my first days at the university (department of translation and interpreting studies) and the name of the course was “Turkish for Translators”. One of my friends asked the teacher about barrowing new words from other languages. My friend supported the idea of barrowing new grammar structures and words from other languages; however, my professor got furious and told my friend “You cannot be a translator ever!” She was quite intimidated as a freshman. Everybody can have a different attitude towards languages and nobody can be judged because of their preferences about using the language. One can support borrowing new words, others can insist on using only native words or structures. We live in such a globalized world that a TV series from US can be more popular in Turkey than US 🙂 It seems impossible not to interact and borrow cultural and linguistic elements from one another.

When it comes to translation and different ideas, I came across the article of Marissa Sayno who gives advices about dealing with criticism. I’m quoting the parts that I like most. You can always click on the link at the bottom to read the whole text.

“Aristotle once said that to avoid criticism, you must say nothing, do nothing and be nothing… and yet, people will still judge you no matter what.  Still, there are times when you feel that you’re unreasonably criticized; your confidence level plunging down to zero and beyond.  Freelancers in the creative field know well the sting of criticism – from those who don’t like their work to those who think you’re simply bad.  In fact, it doesn’t really matter whatever your job is as you will always have to face the positive and negative aspects of life.  To be criticized is an inevitability.  Do you keep your defenses up or do you take it too subjectively?

Understanding the Concept Behind Criticism and How You Can Cope

Negative criticism is a hard pill to swallow and the toughest part is to handle the situation with dignity.  There are those who will criticize your work to make you feel bad about your efforts and there are those who are simply making suggestions, out of frustration.

Think Before You Speak

You can deflect criticisms, minus becoming too defensive.

Ignoring Can Be the Best Option, Sometimes

When your online reputation is on the hot seat, you simply can’t ignore the power of criticism which can have good or bad effects on your freelance career.

Having a High Level of Self-Awareness Works All the Time

To err is human and by accepting your mistakes and welcoming useful, constructive criticism.. you can improve yourself as a freelancer.

Know the Difference

There’s surely a difference between a criticism and an encouragement.

Break the Ice

This time, we’re talking about the iceberg that you’ve built around yourself.

Build Your Pick-Me-Up Moment

Criticisms can make you feel down and out that you need to build a positive vibe around you.  Get yourself a support buddy.

Summon Your Wit and Hold Fast

I know it’s tough, but if you can keep your emotions at bay and focus on the tangible lessons you can take to improve your skills, that’s good enough.

Click here to read the whole text.

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