Reviewing the translation industry from a global perspective there appears to be a theme of ‘irregularities’ which can have major cost implications and always cause embarrassment whether they are light-hearted or serious. A few snippets:

– Ontario winter games offers to replace medals after incorrect French translation of the oath, which appeared on the back of each medal. In English, it said: “For the glory of sport and the honour of our teams in the spirit of true sportsmanship.” In French, the word teams (équipes) was missing, as was the letter ‘p’ in sport.  “It was an unfortunate mixup for sure, something we try to avoid, but it happens,” said Winter Games general manager Michael Ladouceur. “And we’re just trying to do everything we can to rectify it.” “That might include replacing all of the 1,600 awarded medals, which were designed and produced at a total cost of $10,000 to $15,000”.

(Courtesy of Wayne Scanlon)

–The Chinese Government want to crack down on poor translations and ‘fix the English mistakes on signs’. Travellers have been greatly amused (and in some instances offended) by China’s not-so-accurate English translations on public attractions.

– Chinese pirates reportedly cost Japan billions each year translating video games. Five alleged members of an underground Chinese syndicate involved in the illegal translation of copyright media and distribution of manga and video games were recently arrested by authorities in Japan.

TW Languages comment: The general message here is that if the translation is poor or illegal then it’s not been translated by a professional translator.