Cross and Multi-cultural Translation
June 23rd, 2009
Translation, as a means of transposing thoughts and interpreting languages, takes on a significant role in drawing different cultures together. Such a function is evident in the context that defines the meanings of another group’s culture – especially when dealing with a totally foreign language.
Translation is defined as the transposition of ideas that are expressed in the language of a specific social group. Unlike other interpretations, translation appropriately expresses the thoughts of other groups entailed in the process of cultural en-coding, re-coding and de-coding.
Language is an essential aspect of culture without which a social group cannot function. Thus, in the contemporary world of mass, global communication, inter-cultural and multicultural influences can only be absorbed and understood when language is translated. How can changes and cultures influence us if we don’t understand them? Of course, we first have to know about and understand them before we realise the changes and their impact on us. This is an example of the importance of translation of language and thoughts in the spread and influence of cultures.
As different cultures come into closer contact, multicultural considerations arise. Multiculturalism – having different cultures thriving within a society – causes a significant impact and changes in the lives of almost everyone around the world.
Owing to this phenomenon, translators are then faced with alien and foreign cultures (language, in particular) and messages that are totally unfamiliar to them that have to be interpreted correctly. Consequently, translators are tasked to make cross-cultural translations that are dependent on their understanding of the culture they are working with.