overtranslate

Overtranslation is a phenomenon that occurs when a text is translated into another language in a way that is overly literal or word-for-word, often resulting in a loss of meaning, cultural nuances, or idiomatic expressions. This can happen in both written and spoken translations. Overtranslation can be a result of a translator's lack of knowledge of the target language or culture, or it can be intentional, aiming to make the translation more accessible or to avoid ambiguity.

One common example of overtranslation is the translation of idioms. Idioms are expressions that have a meaning different from the literal meaning of the words used. For example, the English idiom "break a leg" means "good luck" in a performance, but a literal translation into French, "casser une jambe," would be confusing and inappropriate. Instead, a translator might use "bonne chance" or "bon courage," which convey the intended meaning more accurately.

Overtranslation can also occur in technical or scientific texts, where terms are translated literally, leading to confusion or misunderstanding. For instance, the English term "black box" in aviation refers to a flight data recorder, but a literal translation into French, "boîte noire," could be misunderstood as a physical box that is black.

To avoid overtranslation, translators should strive to understand the cultural context and the nuances of the source and target languages. They should also be aware of the purpose of the translation and the audience for whom it is intended. In some cases, it may be necessary to use a different structure or vocabulary to convey the original meaning accurately.