Articles
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When “Yes” and “No” Do Not Exist: Languages Beyond Affirmation and Negation
Read more: When “Yes” and “No” Do Not Exist: Languages Beyond Affirmation and NegationThe words yes and no are often considered universal. Yet, in many languages, these direct equivalents do not exist, or they function differently from English. Instead of using a single lexical item for affirmation or negation, speakers employ echo-answers, verb repetition, or contextual phrasing. This phenomenon poses intriguing challenges for linguists and practical considerations for…
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Translation Challenges: Amplifying Immigrant Voices in the UK
Read more: Translation Challenges: Amplifying Immigrant Voices in the UKIn the United Kingdom, immigrant voices – refugees, asylum seekers, migrants—often encounter translation challenges that extend beyond mere linguistic conversion. Such obstacles can distort stories, hinder access to essential services, and shape public perceptions. In this article, we address three themes: media representation, professional interpreting deficiencies, and the subtleties of cross-cultural qualitative research. Through academic…
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“Pepsi Brings Your Ancestors Back from the Grave”: Lessons from a Legendary Mistranslation
Read more: “Pepsi Brings Your Ancestors Back from the Grave”: Lessons from a Legendary MistranslationIn international marketing, a single mistranslated phrase can spell disaster for a brand. One of the most infamous examples is Pepsi’s 1960s Chinese slogan “Come alive with Pepsi,” which, in local dialects, was interpreted as “Pepsi brings your ancestors back from the grave”. This mistranslation, while humorous in hindsight, highlights profound challenges firms face when…
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Local Authority Translation in the UK: Connecting Communities and International Stakeholders
Read more: Local Authority Translation in the UK: Connecting Communities and International StakeholdersTranslation supports governments in delivering public services, enforcing law, managing crises, and shaping diplomacy. It also ensures that people can access information in their own language. This article looks at how translation affects public life, using government-led case studies to explain its role in law, health, diplomacy, corporate regulation, and digital transformation.
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