Translation of untranslatable words and expressions
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Translation of untranslatable words and expressions
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Language is the primary means of communication between people. However, different languages can vary greatly and differ from each other depending on the culture, nationality, and history of the people who speak them. As a result, there are words and expressions that cannot be easily translated into other languages because they are uniquely linked to a particular culture, context, or way of life. These are often referred to by translators and translation agencies as "untranslatable" words.
Pertu and the golden bridge
The challenge posed by untranslatable words is not new to language lovers, and has long been a source of fascination for linguists and translators. There is even a constantly expanding website dedicated to collecting untranslatable words, with the Hungarian section featuring words such as "pertu," "aranyhíd" (golden bridge), and "mentegetőzik" (to make excuses). However, there are also words that are much more difficult to describe than the ones mentioned above, as they require knowledge of the specific cultural context in which they are used. Without this knowledge, mistranslations are common.
Hygge and wabi-sabi
A good example of untranslatable words is the Danish word "hygge," which has become world-famous in recent years and refers to a feeling of coziness, warmth, and friendliness. Although there are many words in other languages that have similar meanings, "hygge" is uniquely Danish and evokes a specific cultural context. Translating it requires a lengthy explanation; its meaning cannot be conveyed in a single word. Another example is the Japanese word "wabi-sabi," which refers to a philosophy that celebrates imperfection, transience, and the beauty of the natural world. The concept of "wabi-sabi" is deeply embedded in the Japanese culture and has no real equivalent in other languages. It is therefore clear that translating untranslatable words requires more than just linguistic knowledge. A thorough understanding of the culture, history, and social context of the source language is also necessary.
What can a translator do?
In some cases, translators may decide to leave untranslatable words in their original form rather than trying to find equivalent words in the target language. This approach acknowledges that some words and concepts cannot be translated without losing their meaning or cultural context. Other times, analogies are used to convey meaning, which is often even more difficult than thorough paraphrasing.
Overall, untranslatable words challenge translators, but with adequate preparation and knowledge of the source language's culture, it is almost always possible to find a solution that adequately conveys the meaning of the word.
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