7 Hilarious Marketing Translation Fails

The internet has an infallible memory; once something is uploaded to the web it can never be erased. For companies that have had terrible marketing translation mishaps, this can be a tarnish on their reputation. For the rest of us though, it provides an endless source of amusement and entertainment. Some of the greatest mistranslations ever have been recorded and saved on the internet for all to enjoy and learn from. The following are seven examples that highlight the need for professional translation services.

 

1. Tokyo Car Rental Company: A Major Marketing Translation Mistake

This marketing translation services blunder occurred at a car rental company in Tokyo. Apparently, the company wanted to educate its customers on proper horn usage in their cars. They came up with this explanation: “When passenger of foot heave in sight, tootle the horn. Trumpet him melodiously at first, but if he still obstacles your passage then tootle him with vigor”. Perhaps if this company had used professional translation, they would not be remembered for an epic translation fail.

 

2. IKEA’s Marketing Translation Fail

Furniture giant IKEA presents the next marketing translation failure. IKEA’s marketing team wanted to promote the speed of one of their new products. The Swedish word for speed is “färt”: they described their product as “fartfull”. Hiring professional marketing translation and localization services would have easily avoided this embarrassing mistake.

 

3. Schweppes’s Marketing Translation Fail

Schweppes Tonic Water also enters the hall of fame of Italian translation failures with their epic mistranslation. It seems like the company used a literal translation for their tonic water product; the only problem is that this translation turned “tonic water” into “toilet water”.

 

4. Ford Cars and…Corpses?

A few years ago, Ford launched a marketing campaign in Belgium. The reasonable sounding claim that “every car has a high quality body” somehow did not sound so reasonable to the Belgians. It turns out that the phrase was mistranslated to “every car has a high quality corpse”.

 

5. Mercedes’ Chinese Mistranslation

When Mercedes first entered the Chinese market, they wanted to brand themselves with a short, catchy name that would be memorable to the Chinese public. They chose the name “bensi”. Unfortunately for Mercedes, “bensi” is the Chinese word for “rush to die”. Instead of rushing with their translation, they should have employed a localization and translation service to help their marketing effort.

 

6. Canadian Mist doesn’t sound appealing…in German

Some time ago, whiskey manufacturer Canadian Mist launched their products in Germany under their established name. Unfortunately for them, “mist” has a very different meaning in German: “Canadian Mist” translates as “Canadian Manure”.

 

7. HSBC’s 10 Million Dollar Mistranslation

The final marketing translation failure shows how expensive translation mistakes can be. HSBC, one of the world’s largest banks, had to spend $10 million on a rebranding marketing campaign after their slogan “assume nothing” was translated into a number of languages as “do nothing”. Again, the value of professional translation services becomes self-evident.

About Language Connections:

Language Connections is one of the top language service companies in the US. Over the last 30 years, we’ve focused on providing the best business translation services, interpreting services, as well as interpreter training and customized language training programs. In addition to top-tier corporate language training, we offer certified corporate interpreters and professional business translation services in 200+ languages. Our network includes linguists with backgrounds in all major industries. They’re ready to meet your needs, whether they’re for technical translation services, legal translation, government translation services, international development translation services, education translation services, life sciences translation, or something else. Reach out to us today for a free quote on our cost-efficient and timely translation services, interpreters, or other linguistic services.

 

 

 

Language Connections LLC
2001 Beacon Street, Suite 105,
Boston, MA 02135
Phone: +1-617-731-3510
Email: service@languageconnections.com

The Top 5 Most Disastrous Localization Service Mistakes

You don’t realize how important localization is until you see the mistakes that occur when there is lack of it. When a professional localization service is not used, mistakes happen really easily. Many think that translation is enough in order to market products and services internationally, but localization is equally essential in most cases. In fact, marketing localization services must be used because a slogan made for one country might not translate well into the language of another country. There are many different factors to pay attention when localizing a text, including place names, dialects, idioms, text dimensions, and much more. Hiring a localization service is essential to ensure that a perfect translation is directed towards a target group in a culturally-sensitive fashion. Most commercials use localization services paired with good video translation services, but nevertheless, there have been some mistakes that have happened throughout the years involving very well-known brands that underestimated the importance of good web localization.

Here are five hilarious instances when localization services could have been used:

 

1. KFC Could Have Used A Localization Service

Their famous slogan “Finger lickin’ good” was translated to “Eat your fingers off” in China. Such a mistranslation could have easily been avoided if they had used a localization service and proof-read it. These mistakes are funny now, but at the time, this must have been really awkward to explain.

 

2. Honda Didn’t Use A Professional Localization Service

For Honda, investing in a localization service partner might have avoided the mistake of presenting their car model as a “Fitta” in Japan even though the car’s name referred to a woman’s intimate parts. Imagine if this had happened in the internet age; it would have easily gone viral. This story proves that it is important to invest in website translation services and localization when exporting to foreign markets

 

3. A Localization Service Could Have Helped Pepsi

Pepsi’s localization mistake is also really awkward. They translated their slogan, “Come alive! You’re in the Pepsi Generation!”, to “Pepsi brings your ancestors back from the dead!” in Mandarin and Cantonese and “Rise from the grave with Pepsi!” in German. Clearly, they would have avoided this mistake if they invested in a certified localization service and translation services.

 

 

4. The Case of Electrolux

This case especially demonstrates the importance of marketing localization services. The slogan for the company, Electrolux, when translated into English, read, “Nothing sucks like an Electrolux.”. Here the Swedish brand was talking about their new vacuum, but unfortunately the lack of professional localization services created an embarrassing situation for the company. Obviously, this model didn’t sell well in the American market.

 

5. Parker

The Mexican Pen brand had the slogan, “It won’t leak in your pocket and embarrass you” in Spanish. Even if their slogan worked in Spanish, they mistranslated it in English to, “It won’t leak in your pocket and make you pregnant” in English. Such a mistake does not look well at all for a brand whether it is in a commercial or in a webpage; brands should never underestimate the power of investing in a localization service.

A localization service is not limited to providing marketing localization; it can also provide elearning translation services and localization, video translation, and website localization. In today’s age, it is essential to think seriously about website localization and how they can help your company’s marketing.

 

About Language Connections:

Language Connections is one of the top language service companies in the US. Over the last 30 years, we’ve focused on providing the best business translation services, interpreting services, as well as interpreter training and customized language training programs. In addition to top-tier corporate language training, we offer certified corporate interpreters and professional business translation services in 200+ languages. Our network includes linguists with backgrounds in all major industries. They’re ready to meet your needs, whether they’re for technical translation services, legal translation, government translation services, international development translation services, education translation services, life sciences translation, or something else. Reach out to us today for a free quote on our cost-efficient and timely translation services, interpreters, or other linguistic services.

 

 

 

Language Connections LLC
2001 Beacon Street, Suite 105,
Boston, MA 02135
Phone: +1-617-731-3510
Email: service@languageconnections.com

 

5 Movie Titles That Professional Translation Services Could Have Improved

As you may already know, words can get lost in translation, whether in movies, books or even meetings that require conference interpreting. Even though most translators and interpreters try to deliver the best work they can, we cannot help but notice that some translation mistakes are interesting and really funny if we compare them to the original text. Movie titles can often be mistranslated; one can only wonder what some translators are thinking while working on these titles. We could assume they used machine translation instead of professional translation services.

 

Translation mistakes can happen for different reasons. However, they most commonly occur when studios fail to take into account the cultural dimensions of their target markets. Since movie titles are essential to drawing the attention potential viewers, they must be adapted to every culture and language using video localization services. The point of these changes in translations is to target a specific audience or demographic in order to generate the biggest profit possible.

 

However, another explanation for bad translation could also remain the type of translation used. Some productions do not have the budget to hire professional international translation services, so many resort to automated translation tools that do not account for linguistic nuance.

 

Below we listed 5 examples of movie titles for you to see how some box office movies have a very different title in language

 

1. The Producers movie’s title was translated in a questionable way:

This movie title is translated to ‘Per favore, non toccate le vecchiette’ which means ‘Please, Don’t Touch The Old Women’. We can do nothing but wonder what happened there.

 

2. Home Alone could have used French translation services:

It was translated to ‘Maman, j’ai raté l’avion’ which is ‘Mum, I Missed The Plane’ in English. In this title, nothing seems unethical unlike the Italian title for The Producers, but it could be an attempt to be catchy to a French-speaker. In fact, if it was just translated literally, it might have sounded more awkward.

 

3. Step Up’s French title took an unexpected twist without translation services

They literally translated it to ‘Sexy Dance’, no more no less than these two words. Another time, it may speak more to a French-speaker rather than just translating literally (it would not be that allusive to the movie).

 

4. Dragnet has a funny translation in German.

It was translated to ‘Schlappe bullen beißen nicht’ which is ‘Lazy Cops Don’t Bite’ in English.

 

5. Professional translation services could have helped Top Gun:

For the Israeli version of the film, the title translated to ‘Love in The Skies’ in English.

 

These three examples of movie titles translation show how much of a struggle it can be to translate just a small phrase. Now, imagine what it like to translate a whole movie whether with subtitles or by dubbing it. Video translation is difficult; that’s why a production company should always invest in good translation services.

About Language Connections:

Language Connections is one of the top language service companies in the US. Over the last 30 years, we’ve focused on providing the best business translation services, interpreting services, as well as interpreter training and customized language training programs. In addition to top-tier corporate language training, we offer certified corporate interpreters and professional business translation services in 200+ languages. Our network includes linguists with backgrounds in all major industries. They’re ready to meet your needs, whether they’re for technical translation services, legal translation, government translation services, international development translation services, education translation services, life sciences translation, or something else. Reach out to us today for a free quote on our cost-efficient and timely translation services, interpreters, or other linguistic services.

 

 

 

Language Connections LLC
2001 Beacon Street, Suite 105,
Boston, MA 02135
Phone: +1-617-731-3510
Email: service@languageconnections.com

7 Unbelievable Global Restaurants for the Adventurous Translator to Try

Though travel has certainly been impacted by the current pandemic, you can still plan your next trip for the future. Exploring different cultures is extremely important, rewarding, and enjoyable, regardless of your profession – you don’t have to be an international translator or work at a professional translation services company to explore new languages and cultures! 

 

Ithaa Undersea Restaurant, Maldives

This breathtaking restaurant is submerged over 16 feet underwater giving you a magnificent view of coral and sea creatures while you dine. With a domed, glasspaned ceiling that extends down to the floor, you can be sure you won’t miss any of the fish swimming around you. Known for their fusion menu combining local flavors with Western influences, and their exquisite views, this is certainly one of the most innovative and stunning restaurants in the world.

 

Cat Café Nekorobi, Japan

At this adorable café, you can enjoy a nice drink while playing with some of the cutest cats! Help yourself to various coffees and teas while you watch the cats play. The cats even eat with you from their own bowls. Definitely a must-see for any pet-loving translator.

 

The Redwoods Treehouse, New Zealand

Dine among the treetops in your own elevated pod nestled among the towering redwood trees. The Redwoods Treehouse has beautiful wooden walkways connecting the pods and stunning lighting and views. While the space is reserved for small functions and not available for individual dining, this is still one of the most whimsical places for a translator to eat. 

 

SnowVillage Restaurants at Lapland Hotel, Finland

When planning to visit these restaurants, make sure you bring an extra jacket! With two venues made entirely out of snow and ice, the SnowVillage Restaurants truly transport to a wintery wonderland. Boasting a menu full of local meals, the SnowVillage Restaurants is a standout both for its amazing food and amazing views.

 

The Rock, Tanzania

Located off the coast of Zanzibar, The Rock is a short boat ride away, or nice walk during low tide. Serving fabulous food, The Rock is known for its exquisite flavors and stunning locale. With numerous villas and resorts close by, The Rock is ideally located for all vacations that can hopefully be taken in the near future.

 

Modern Toilet, Taiwan

Starting out selling chocolate ice cream served in a small, toilet shaped bowl, Modern Toilet has grown to this unique, toilet themed restaurant. After having success with their ice cream and seeing the joy their restaurant brought to people, the owners decided to expand to a full restaurant with multiple locations throughout Taiwan. With great food and a fun atmosphere, Modern Toilet has easily risen to its vast popularity.

 

The Airplane Restaurant, United States

Located in Chicago, this restaurant is situated inside an old Boeing KC-97 plane. With great food and decades worth of historical memorabilia, this restaurant makes a great addition to the list. Also, they can accommodate functions and parties, so be sure to keep this unique venue in mind!

 

Hopefully we will soon be able to travel to see these fabulous places. Until then, hopefully this list made you excited about the prospect of exploring and experiencing different cultures. An appreciation for all languages, cultures, and backgrounds is extremely important, especially as the world grows more and more interconnected. With this increased connection comes the increased need for language service companies that offer translation and localization services, like Language Connections. We are committed to offering professional global translation services and full localization for all of your projects no matter the language. With our vast global network of linguists, we’re sure to find the best translator for the job. We want to help you reach as many cultures and languages as possible and we are fully equipped to help you achieve success and grow your global connections.

About Language Connections:

Language Connections is one of the top language service companies in the US. Over the last 30 years, we’ve focused on providing the best business translation services, interpreting services, localization services, as well as interpreter training and customized language training programs. In addition to top-tier corporate language training, we offer certified corporate interpreters and professional business translation services in 200+ languages. Our network includes linguists with backgrounds in all major industries. They’re ready to meet your needs, whether they’re for technical translation services, legal translation, government translation services, international development translation services, education translation services, life sciences translation, or something else. Reach out to us today for a free quote on our cost-efficient and timely translation services, interpreters, or other linguistic services.

Language Connections Inc.
2001 Beacon Street, Suite 105,
Boston, MA 02135
Phone: +1-617-731-3510
Email: service@languageconnections.com

4 Unbelievable Holidays Traditions From Around the World

It’s no question that people celebrate the holidays in different ways. For instance, while some celebrate Christmas by decorating a live tree with ornaments and exchanging gifts, others opt for a plastic tree. Nevertheless, different holiday traditions are part of the joy of the holidays. Here are four of the most unbelievable holiday traditions from around the world.

 

Australia – Christmas at the Beach

While Americans dream of a White Christmas, for many Australians, partying on the beach is their Christmas ideal. Temperatures in Australia often reach over 70 degrees Fahrenheit in December. As a result, many flock to Australia’s beaches to take in the sun, enjoy a nice barbeque, and hang out with family and friends. Many even dress up in Santa garb in spite of the hot weather and party well into the night.

 

Japan – A KFC Christmas

Japan is home to a very small Christian population; only 1 – 2% of the Japanese population identifies as Christian. However, many Christians in the country observe a unique Christmas tradition: eating a chicken dinner provided by the Colonel (Colonel Sanders to be exact). This tradition stems from a successful 1970 marketing campaign created by the first manager of a KFC franchise in Japan that championed the fried chicken dinner as an authentic Christmas meal. The English translation of the campaign tagline read simply, “At Christmas, you eat chicken.”  Today, 3.6 million people eat KFC for Christmas dinner in the country.

 

Mexico – Night of the Radishes

This Christmas tradition originates from Mexico’s colonial past, as radishes were first introduced to Mexico in Oaxaca by Spanish colonists. Some time during the 18th century, local farmers carved misshapen radishes into intricate figures as an artistic way to promote their business. Eventually, in 1897, this tradition became a formal competition held annually on December 23rd; the Night of the Radishes was born. Now, every year, people flock to the city of Oaxaca to see the elaborate displays ranging from Nativity scenes to depictions of traditional Oaxacan life and await the awarding of the grand prize of 15,000 pesos.

 

Austria and Hungary – The Legend of Krampus

This frightening legend popular in Austria and Hungary makes receiving coal seem like a blessing. Although many families living in the two countries observe the tradition of Santa Claus, many also celebrate the tradition of Krampus, a devilish creature designed to scare naughty children. This mythical figure is typically celebrated on Krampusnacht (December 6th), the day Krampus punishes children for their misdeeds, making it one of the scariest holiday traditions in the world.

 

About Language Connections:

Language Connections is one of the top language service companies in the US. Over the last 30 years, we’ve focused on providing the best business translation services, interpreting services, localization services, as well as interpreter training and customized language training programs. In addition to top-tier corporate language training, we offer certified corporate interpreters and professional business translation services in 200+ languages. Our network includes linguists with backgrounds in all major industries. They’re ready to meet your needs, whether they’re for technical translation services, legal translation, government translation services, international development translation services, education translation services, life sciences translation, or something else. Reach out to us today for a free quote on our cost-efficient and timely translation services, interpreters, or other linguistic services.

Language Connections Inc.
2001 Beacon Street, Suite 105,
Boston, MA 02135
Phone: +1-617-731-3510
Email: service@languageconnections.com

The Script for Parasite: Obstacle or Opportunity?

Bong and co-writer Han Jin-won’s script for Parasite is a multinational masterpiece. Part of what makes this film so groundbreaking is the way the interpretation of the film’s light and dark moment never detract from each other. Humor and horror can be hard to translate on their own, but a dark comedy thriller comes with its own challenges.

The movie follows the Kim family as they realize they can fit into the “holes” of the rich Park family’s life. After their son begins to work as an English tutor for the Park family’s daughter, he smuggles each of his family members to fill a service role. The Park family relies on their hired help to maintain their lavish lifestyle. To translate Parasite in such a way that it hits the same story beats in Korean as in English takes experienced, expert knowledge of interpretation services.

Darcy Paquet provided translation services for the English subtitles and worked directly with Bong. An American residing in Korea, the stellar English translation has redefined the type of movie Americans are willing to engage with. Translations are no longer a barrier between foreign films and American audiences. Now, they look like an opportunity.

Why is their opportunity in translation?  Language learning can add meaning to your understanding of the world. Bong describes the ending scene in Parasite as a “surefire kill.” This is a Korean phrase filled with double meanings that can only be unlocked through translation. The surefire kill of a gunshot is found in this last scene, the shot audiences walk away from the movie remembering.

Parasite’s Script: Obstacle or Opportunity?

Bong and co-writer Han Jin-won’s script for “Parasite” is a multinational masterpiece. Part of what makes this film so groundbreaking is the way the interpretation of the film’s light and dark moment never detract from each other. Humor and horror can be hard to translate on their own, but a dark comedy thriller comes with its own challenges.

 

The movie follows the Kim family as they realize they can fit into the “holes” of the rich Park family’s life. After their son begins to work as an English tutor for the Park family’s daughter, he smuggles each of his family members to fill a service role. The Park family relies on their hired help to maintain their lavish lifestyle. To translate “Parasite” in such a way that it hits the same story beats in Korean as in English takes experienced, expert knowledge of interpretation services.

 

Darcy Paquet provided translation services for the English subtitles and worked directly with Bong. An American residing in Korea, the stellar English translation has redefined the type of movie Americans are willing to engage with. Translations are no longer a barrier between foreign films and American audiences. Now, they look like an opportunity.

 

Why is their opportunity in translation?  Language learning can add meaning to your understanding of the world. Bong describes the ending scene in “Parasite” as a “surefire kill.” This is a Korean phrase filled with double meanings that can only be unlocked through translation. The surefire kill of a gunshot is found in this last scene, the shot audiences walk away from the movie remembering.

About Language Connections:

Language Connections is one of the top language service companies in the US. Over the last 30 years, we’ve focused on providing the best business translation services, interpreting services, as well as interpreter training and customized language training programs. In addition to top-tier corporate language training, we offer certified corporate interpreters and professional business translation services in 200+ languages. Our network includes linguists with backgrounds in all major industries. They’re ready to meet your needs, whether they’re for technical translation services, legal translation, government translation services, international development translation services, education translation services, life sciences translation, or something else. Reach out to us today for a free quote on our cost-efficient and timely translation services, interpreters, or other linguistic services.

Language Connections Inc.
2001 Beacon Street, Suite 105,
Boston, MA 02135
Phone: +1-617-731-3510
Email: service@languageconnections.com

What is a Translatable Joke? What about a Bilingual Joke?

Have you ever heard the term bilingual joke?

4 Funny Movie Titles Botched Due to the Lack of Professional Translation and Localization Services

Hilarious Movie Title Translations Fails Caused by Ignoring the Importance of Translation and Localization Services

There have always been issues regarding how producers translate their films into different languages. There are new movies coming up every week and everywhere around the world. Importing new movies outside the host country means employing the use of localization and business translation services from reputable language services providers. 

But when a film is going to be distributed internationally, the movie title is the very first item that must be considered. The host country will ask: Should we translate it, adapt it or just keep the original title? A good movie title will create a buzz, but bad movie translations may result in bad sales of that movie in that country. Using professional localization and translation services is the best way to come up with a culturally and linguistically appropriate movie title. Language Connections takes a look at some humorous translations of English movie titles in foreign countries. 

 

Silver Linings Playbook (2012) | Title Translations Fails

Each country incorporates its own interpretation and cultural perspective into a movie translation.  Often, this can result in entirely different titles or even meanings. For instance, the movie “Silver Linings Playbook” is a 2012 American romantic comedy.  It’s the story of a former teacher who moves back in with his parents, starts a new friendship, and tries to reconcile with his ex-wife. In France, the movie translation is titled “Happiness Therapy” in French.  In Taiwan, the Chinese version of the movie translation is called “Pat’s Happiness Playbook.”

 

Warm Bodies (2013)

The storyline behind this American paranormal romantic comedy is about a zombie who saves a girl from a zombie attack.  This leads to their eventual romantic relationship. The original title “Warm Bodies” also has the following the subtitle “He’s still dead but he’s getting warmer.” In Taiwan, movie translations kept the English subtitle, but added another one in Chinese which means “How could a zombie be so handsome?” Of course, this has nothing to do with the original meaning! This could be an unfortunate (yet funny) result of skipping out on professional translation and localization services from the movie studio/corporation responsible for the Chinese translation of the movie!

 

My Little Princess (2011)

The French-Romanian drama called “My Little Princess” in English also has an interesting Chinese title. This controversial movie, written and directed by the famous Parisian actress and photographer Eva Ionesco, was inspired by her relationship with her own mother. Her mother, the well-known artistic photographer Irina Ionesco, also created some noise when she published pictures of her young daughter in the 1970’s. Chinese movie translations were titled “The Goddamn Princess.” This title was eventually banned for obvious reasons! Although literally the title means “Her Mother’s Princess” (later changed to “Her Mama’s Princess,” in Chinese), the word for “Mama” can also be taken to mean “Goddamn.”

 

Movie Translations for Sinister (2012) | Title Translation Fails

The supernatural horror film titled “Sinister” also has a funny translation in Chinese. The film is about a true-crime writer who finds a box of 8mm home movies in his attic that eventually put his family in danger.  The interesting part of the translation is not the meaning of the word itself. Rather, the sound and tone of the title in Chinese are amusing. The meaning of the Chinese title is indeed the same as the English one “Sinister.”  However, the funny thing is that it also sounds just like the word “bra” in Chinese! Although the two words are spelled differently in Chinese, the pronunciation is exactly the same.

 

Sources:

In France, They Call It ‘Happiness Therapy’

http://www.imdb.com/

About Language Connections:

Language Connections is one of the top language service companies in the US. Over the last 30 years, we’ve focused on providing the best business translation services, interpreting services, as well as interpreter training and customized language training programs. In addition to top-tier corporate language training, we offer certified corporate interpreters and professional business translation services in 200+ languages. Our network includes linguists with backgrounds in all major industries. They’re ready to meet your needs, whether they’re for technical translation services, legal translation, government translation services, international development translation services, education translation services, life sciences translation, or something else. Reach out to us today for a free quote on our cost-efficient and timely translation services, interpreters, or other linguistic services.

Language Connections Inc.
2001 Beacon Street, Suite 105,
Boston, MA 02135
Phone: +1-617-731-3510
Email: service@languageconnections.com

 

20 Funny English Sign Translations Caused by Not Using Business Translation Services

When travelling, especially in areas that are popular for English-speaking tourists, you may find lots of signs that are intended to make communication easier for English-speaking tourists. However, the quality of translations can sometimes be far from perfect. Without the use of certified business translation services, crucial mistakes can easily be overlooked. Here are some of the times when skipping proper business translation services has proven to be hilarious!

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