What are some cultural differences that affect translation?

What are some cultural differences that affect translation?

Cultural differences can significantly impact translation, such as idioms, humor, and social norms. For example, a joke that works in one culture may not translate well into another due to different values or references.

Can you give me an example of an idiom that doesn't translate well?

Sure! The English idiom "it's raining cats and dogs" doesn't make sense in many cultures. In some languages, they might use a completely different metaphor to express heavy rain.

How do translators handle these differences?

Translators often use localization techniques, adapting the content to fit the cultural context of the target audience. This may involve changing references, rephrasing idioms, or even altering examples to resonate better with the new audience.

Are there tools that help with this?

Yes, there are various translation tools and software that assist with localization, such as SDL Trados and Memsource, which help translators manage cultural nuances effectively.