Throughout many types of language services like interpreting, translating and language training, one of the most troublesome parts of serving our clients is handling idioms.
The words “idiom” and “idiot” come from the same ancient Greek word “idios” which means “of one’s own” or “private.” According to a study by the Guardian, idioms were seen as a private expression, impossible to decode unless you understand the reference. An idiot originally referred to a person who dissociates themself from political affairs in ancient Greek society. Putting this all together, does it make sense that we all use it continuously, even in international business interactions?
Opening that Pandora’s box (pun intended) is well documented on the internet and easy to find. While reading a lot of blogs and articles acknowledging or dissuading the use of idioms, we started focusing on how they affect language services. We asked a few of our colleagues who are experts in the education, interpretation and translating field.
A very experienced language trainer told us that at first, he just stopped saying them to beginner and intermediate level students because it interrupts the flow of conversation. But after a while he realized that the “poetry” of expression through language was missing, and started integrating some into his classes.
A few of our veteran interpreters immediately realized what was “lost in translation” by decoding idioms into basic comprehensible phrases. What was missing were the emotional responses: If you decoded “That’s just the tip of the iceberg” to “There was more information we didn’t know,” the lack of imagery that the listener misses decreases the impact that the speaker wanted to impart. Interpreters understand its value and do their best to maintain the speakers’ intent.
After speaking to a few grizzled translators, we learned that they really earn their paycheck by tackling each idiom with a fierce determination to find an equivalent in the target language, maintaining the emotional or reactive connotation the idiom brings. This may require extensive research of both cultures and learning the true context the original text is conveying. One example was given: “Bless your heart.” Most translators can find an equivalent to this in a target language, but the original text was really saying “you poor, helpless soul.”
People like Barbier language trainers who work in the language services industry want to make all communication as straightforward as possible. How easy would our job be? But would that turn us all into modern day idiots?
Barbier interprets your challenges and translates them into solutions!
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Sources: https://www.theguardian.com/books/booksblog/2009/aug/05/idiotic-joys-idioms
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