The concept of untranslatable words arises when a lexical item in one language cannot be directly rendered into another language without loss of meaning. Such terms are not limited to rare dialects or literary traditions; they appear across the world’s major languages. The German term “Schadenfreude”, denoting the experience of taking pleasure in the misfortune of others, is frequently cited as an example. English lacked an exact equivalent and incorporated the word directly, reflecting a broader tendency to borrow foreign words rather than attempt imperfect substitutions.
Defining “Untranslatable”
In translation studies, a word is regarded as untranslatable when no single lexical equivalent exists in the target language. Instead, the meaning requires either descriptive explanation or adoption of the original term. Academic discussions of this phenomenon emphasise the cultural embeddedness of such expressions.
Schadenfreude: From German Discourse to English Usage
The German word Schadenfreude combines Schaden (damage) and Freude (joy). It has been discussed in German philosophy and literature, including by Schopenhauer and Nietzsche. English usage of the word dates back to the nineteenth century, with recorded appearances in 1852 and 1867. From the late twentieth century onwards, the term became widely recognised in English-speaking contexts, appearing in both popular culture and academic publications.
Examples from Other Languages
A range of comparable examples demonstrates how languages encode culturally specific experiences:
- Wabi-sabi (Japanese): an appreciation of impermanence and imperfection.
- Saudade (Portuguese): a sense of longing for something absent.
- Hygge (Danish): a form of contentment associated with comfort and companionship.
- Mamihlapinatapai (Yaghan): a silent exchange between two people who both wish to act but neither initiates.
These terms resist direct substitution and often require either retention of the source term or explanatory phrasing.
Cognitive and Linguistic Implications
Research in psychology suggests that exposure to untranslatable words may broaden emotional and cognitive awareness. Work by Timothy Lomas at the University of East London has catalogued nearly one thousand such terms, noting their potential contribution to understanding and expressing human experience. This supports wider academic debates concerning the influence of language on perception and the conceptualisation of experience.
IMD Translation’s Approach
In addressing untranslatable terms, IMD Translation applies structured methodologies grounded in established translation theory and professional practice:
- Contextual analysis: each term is examined within its cultural and textual framework.
- Retention with clarification: borrowing the source term with a concise note or gloss when suitable.
- Descriptive rendering: providing an explanatory phrase where required for clarity or legal precision.
- Client-specific adaptation: tailoring the chosen strategy to the requirements of the legal, commercial, or academic context.
- Quality control: applying ISO 17100-aligned processes, including independent revision, to ensure accuracy and consistency, where required.
This approach ensures that cultural nuance is preserved without compromising comprehensibility in the target language.
Conclusion
Untranslatable words are a consistent feature of global languages. They show that linguistic systems are not interchangeable codes but reflections of cultural priorities and conceptual distinctions. English has frequently incorporated such terms directly, with Schadenfreude standing as a representative case.
IMD Translation provides structured and reliable solutions for managing untranslatable vocabulary in legal, commercial, and academic texts. By combining linguistic expertise with procedural rigour, the company ensures that such terms are conveyed accurately and in compliance with the expectations of the target readership.
For further information, visit imdtranslation.co.uk.