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English idioms and phrases, in particular, tend to cause confusion. This may initially seem a minor annoyance, but these idiomatic expressions can cause real problems when attempting to make content relevant to other cultures through localization.
Many idioms in English are very expressive, but they are also difficult (or even impossible) to translate without careful consideration.
Today, the word often describes one who stumbles upon an impressive invention or pleasant discovery by chance. Unfortunately, the concept can be difficult to convey in other languages. In French, for instance, its closest translation is " heureux hasard ." While the French term references good luck, its literal translation ("happy accident") doesn't quite capture the full extent of surprise and joy associated with the word serendipity.
Conveying the meaning of this slang phrase is tricky; it means that something important is about to happen, but that alone doesn't capture the urgency and importance that this phrase connotes. At one point, this term generally conveyed criminal intent, but today, it can refer to any noteworthy event, such as a business deal, a party, or an argument.
That's two very different meanings for two different audiences that technically speak the same language.
We can thank Teddy Roosevelt for the word's current meaning; he used it to reference the political practice of using the vehicles in election campaigns. Now, bandwagon is a more general term that references brief trends that are easy to adopt--and even easier to abandon.
Given the ineffability of this word in English, it's no wonder that it can cause confusion when translated into other languages.
The terms highlighted above can seem arbitrary at times, but they lend our language color and deeper meaning. In localization services, however, they should be used with care or avoided entirely. One wrong term can prompt considerable confusion, so awareness is critical through every facet of translation.
Want to work with an expert to ensure clarity and resonance in your global content? Reach out to the team at Lionbridge today to learn more.