Slang translation is much more than transferring the core meaning. With so many elements at play, the translation of slang words will require the most skilled and experienced linguists.
In this article, Thao & Co. will guide you into the fascinating world of slang translation.
The ever-changing nature of slang words poses a difficult challenge for any translator trying to tackle them head-on.
Slang refers to words or expressions used by a particular group of speakers. They could be derivations of existing words or borrowings from other languages.
Slang words are highly informal – they find very limited use in formal situations but are relatively common in daily conversations. They can express complex ideas in a few words while adding some wit and humor to the conversation.
Current examples of slang in Vietnamese include “bánh cuốn” (intriguing), “cà khịa” (to provoke someone), or “xịn xò” (superb).
Context is crucial to a slang translation. The literal meaning of a slang word may be obvious, but its nuances hardly are. Slang words are very common in everyday life. For this reason, slang translation services are also very popular.
Examples of slang translation could be found in:
Similar to idioms, slang words are interwoven with the local culture and trends. By keeping tabs on emerging trends, linguists can identify the latest slang words and their most likely contexts.
Advances in AI have supercharged slang translators and automatic translation tools in general. Will this ultimately translate to more accurate and consistent results?
We at Thao & Co. have assessed the general quality of slang translations produced by Google Translate. Here’s what we found:
It seems so convenient to have a handy translator with you anywhere, anytime. Indeed, automatic translation tools can serve as efficient assistants for slang translation thanks to their:
For example, Google Translate did quite well with common Vietnamese slang words such as “bó tay” (can’t be helped). However, the resulting translation (“helpless”) lacks the casual nuance of the Vietnamese word. It sounds unnatural, and perhaps too formal, in everyday conversation.
Automatic translation tools are fast, and their results seem perfectly normal. But appearances are deceiving. In fact, tools like Google Translate suffer from various limitations, including:
For example, “bánh cuốn” is the name of a Vietnamese dish. As a slang, it is used as an adjective to indicate a witty remark or a captivating story. Automatic translation tools usually fail to provide additional, contextually-relevant translations.
Therefore, Google Translate and similar apps are only tools to assist you with translation – they cannot always provide a definitive and accurate answer. If you need a natural-sounding and high-quality translation, it’s best to reach out to expert translators.
A good slang translation is always the result of careful preparation and thorough research. For the best possible translation quality, consult 6 handy tips from our in-house experts:
A translation that disregards contextual cues will end up awkward. The context may hint at whether a word is being used literally or figuratively.
To avoid translation errors, the translator will need to read between the lines. Once the core meanings and all related nuances have been identified, the translator can then select an appropriate method for slang translation, such as communicative translation.
If possible, try to find a slang equivalent in the target language. A word of caution: not all slang words are created equal. Make sure the word does not carry additional nuances that could offend or confuse the target audience.
For example: A slang in response to a blatant lie
If it isn’t possible to find a direct slang equivalent, you can consider expressions that convey similar ideas. That said, there are also edge cases where that isn’t an option. A possible alternative is to explain the meaning in simple terms.
For example, to indicate that someone is working very hard, especially within tight deadlines:
“What is true today may no longer be true tomorrow.” This can also be said about slang. With each passing day, more and more slang words are coined. It may be helpful to frequent social media and news sites to catch up with the latest trends.
Native speakers can help decode the meanings and nuances behind new slang words. Combined with the linguistic expertise of a skilled translator, the resulting translation will sound much more natural and memorable.
Some slang words are globally recognized, and so they can be kept unchanged with no accompanying explanation.
For example, many Vietnamese internet users (especially young people) find English slang words such as “flex” and “flop” familiar.
Slang is commonly used to convey a conversational tone and make the brand stand out as approachable. Successful localization, therefore, will likely involve slang translation.
To maintain a consistent brand identity and expand your reach across the globe, opt for a quality slang translation service provider such as Thao & Co. translation company. We are the one-stop shop for all your translation and localization needs.
Each and every project at Thao & Co. is handled by experts with years of experience. We always assign the best linguists for the job, whether it’s advertisements, game dialogues, or social media content.
By working with us, you can enjoy a wide range of benefits, including:
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