This Week In Writing, we explore how translating language can often change the meaning and intent of our writing.
Source: Focus Features; Edited by the author
Lost in Translation is one of my favorite films. Starring Scarlett Johansson and Bill Murray, the film explores a young woman adrift and lost while her husband is in Tokyo for business. Throughout the film, she meets a weathered actor who is also drifting through life, lost on the other side of the world. The two help each other grow and reenter the world.
During the film, Bill Murray’s character attends a photoshoot. The photographer speaks in rapid-fire Japanese while the translator conveys a few words at a time. Part of the intended dialogue is lost, and Murray’s character is left with only partial information.
Having visited multiple countries and attempted to communicate in various languages, I know the importance of clarity in communication. When we writers start sharing our work across languages, we must ensure the translation is clear. Otherwise, details, nuance, and intended meaning may get lost.
Do you share work in multiple languages? What have you learned about the translation process? Hit reply and join the conversation.
👀 Read more from The Writing Cooperative on translation:
One Book. Two Titles. Totally Different Responses. by Sara K.Should You Have Your Writing Translated? by Nixie Adams 🖋️Can You Use Machine Translation for Professional Purposes? by Laura Rosell
Writing In Multiple Languages? Don’t Get Lost In Translation. was originally published in The Writing Cooperative on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.
Read more: writingcooperative.com