How cultural context shapes meaning, tone, and accuracy across languages
When we need to translate something, most of us reach for Google Translate, assuming it will do the job.
But Google often mistranslates sentences and misses crucial cultural and linguistic nuances.
Cultural sensitivity matters in translation. Here’s what you need to know.
How culture changes word meanings
As Europeans travelled west to conquer the New World, they brought their languages with them. That’s why people in the Americas speak English, French, Spanish, and Portuguese.
However, these languages have diverged considerably over time.
Take French as an example. France remains the centre of the French language, whilst people in Quebec, Canada, have spoken it since Jacques Cartier arrived in 1534.
Almost 500 years later, Canadian French differs markedly from European French in usage and accent. Understanding French culture when learning French is therefore essential.
This can lead to serious misunderstandings when a word carries completely different meanings in each region.
Consider the word “gosse,” which means children in France. In Quebec, the same word refers to male genitalia.
Without understanding this cultural distinction, you could either make people laugh or deeply embarrass them.
What is cultural sensitivity, and why does it matter in translation?
Every society has its own cultural sensitivities. Although these are weakening in an increasingly globalised world, they still exist and must be considered when you translate into another language.
Cultural sensitivity encompasses norms, beliefs, values, customs, and behaviours.
Without understanding these, conveying a message in another language becomes difficult—or worse, creates deep misunderstanding.
Communication style matters too. When interpreting live, you may need to maintain eye contact with one person, whilst the same behaviour would be considered impolite in another culture. Your dress may also cause offence depending on religious beliefs.
The two main reasons why cultural sensitivity matters in translation are to avoid misunderstandings and to avoid causing offence.
A single word can change the meaning of an entire sentence, even if technically correct. The message may come across as offensive when it wasn’t intended to be. And whilst you can claim misinterpretation, words are difficult to take back once spoken—or worse, written.
Demonstrating cultural awareness generates respect. In business, such attention to detail can forge strong trading relationships that last for years.
How to ensure cultural sensitivity in your translations
Here are practical ways to improve your translation services.
Learn continuously from professional translators
A translator’s learning never stops. Working with more experienced professionals helps build cultural knowledge for the specific countries where you operate.
Do your research
Research should always be your first step when working in a new country. There are countless ways to learn about cultures today, starting online. Speaking with local people is particularly valuable for understanding what you can and cannot say.
Watch for local dialects
In some countries, dialects play a significant role in communication. Italy is a prime example, where each region—sometimes each city—uses a different dialect. A translator must account for this.
Anyone working in translation needs to understand cultural sensitivities to convey meaning accurately. That’s why it’s better to specialise in a few countries rather than spread yourself too thin.
