THE MOST FAMOUS TRANSLATION ERRORS IN HISTORY (AND WHAT WE CAN LEARN FROM THEM)
There are records of famous translation errors that have had a significant impact and even historical significance. In this article, we aim to introduce you to the most famous translation errors in history and demonstrate how a professional, culturally contextualized translation is absolutely essential.
WHAT IS THE ORIGIN OF THESE TRANSLATION ERRORS?
Translation errors can arise for a variety of reasons. The most common ones are:
- Ambiguity in the original language: Some words or phrases can have multiple meanings depending on the context.
- Lack of cultural knowledge: Not understanding cultural nuances can lead to misinterpretations.
- Use of non-professional translators: A lack of training and experience can result in inaccurate translations.
- Excessive reliance on automated tools: This is a mistake that has become more common in recent years with the rise of automatic translation tools. Although useful, these tools can produce results that lack precision and context.
THE MOST FAMOUS TRANSLATION ERRORS IN HISTORY
- The word that changed the course of history: Mokusatsu
In 1945, during World War II, the Allies issued the Potsdam Declaration, demanding Japan’s unconditional surrender. The Japanese government’s response included the word “mokusatsu,” which can be interpreted as “no comment” or “to dismiss.” The Allied translators interpreted it as an arrogant rejection, which contributed to the decision to drop the atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki. This is, without a doubt, one of the most famous translation errors in history.
- Moses and the Horns
When translating the Bible into Latin, Saint Jerome interpreted the Hebrew word “karan” as “cornuta” (with horns), when it actually meant “radiant.” This translation led to Moses being depicted with horns in numerous works of art, including Michelangelo’s famous sculpture. An error that endured for centuries and ranks among the most famous translation mistakes in history.
- Khrushchev and the Misinterpreted Threat
In 1956, Soviet leader Nikita Khrushchev uttered a phrase that was translated into English as “We will bury you,” causing alarm in the West. However, the original intention was to say that communism would outlast capitalism. This mistranslation heightened Cold War tensions and is considered one of the most famous translation errors in history.
- Jimmy Carter’s Speech in Poland
During a visit to Poland in 1977, U.S. President Jimmy Carter expressed his desire to understand the wishes of the Polish people. However, the translator interpreted his words as a statement of sexual desire toward the Polish people. This error caused confusion and is remembered as one of the most famous translation mistakes in history.
- The Willie Ramirez case
In 1980, in Florida, a young man named Willie Ramirez was taken to the hospital unconscious. His family members, who spoke Spanish, used the word “intoxicado” to describe his condition. The doctors interpreted this as a drug overdose, when in fact it was a brain hemorrhage. The lack of an accurate translation resulted in improper treatment and left Ramirez quadriplegic. This tragic incident highlights the importance of avoiding errors in medical translations.
To dive deeper into this topic, you can read more about mistakes in medical translations.
LESSONS LEARNED:
These historical cases teach us that:
- Precision is crucial. A small mistake can have disastrous consequences.
- Context matters: Understanding the culture and the context is essential for an effective translation.
- Professionalism is key. Having qualified translators can prevent serious misunderstandings.
Additionally, it’s important to stay aware of common translation mistakes so you can avoid them in the future.
CONCLUSION
The most famous translation mistakes in history remind us of the importance of precise and contextualized communication. In a globalized world where interactions between different cultures are constant, translation plays a vital role. Learning from these historical mistakes allows us to appreciate and enhance our translation practices, ensuring that the original message is conveyed faithfully and effectively.
To discover how translation has shaped the global reach of literary works, we invite you to read about the most translated books in the world.
