Google Translate has recently caused yet another embarrassment. This time, netizens discovered the translation tool had “converted” Malaysia into Bangladesh and the Philippines. I’m not sure whether the blunder is ridiculous or much regrettable.

Instead of saying the introduction of Google Translate has provided many people with convenience, we could say that the people are becoming lazier because of the application. Language is the essence of culture for any given ethnic group and leaving it to the machine will only make it weird. Our language has been simplified as most of the time, only a few specific and simple terms are used by the translation tool. Gone are the days when we had a large collection of vocabulary, the use of interchangeable synonyms for more diversity, the beautiful shapes of words (such as Chinese characters), as well as the sound effects obtained from the use of rhymes.

Translation has broken down the language barrier. There were people who once likened translators to boatmen who ferried their passengers from one language to another. I particularly like this metaphor. The boatmen with oars in hands took the helms of boats and one stroke after another, they rowed to send the passengers onboard to their destinations. There is no difference for translators. With accuracy being the utmost priority when they look for words in a sea of languages, they also polish the words to form appropriate sentences. Besides retaining the meaning of the original content, the beauty of languages must be exhibited too.

However, translation tools and software are nothing more than a speedboat. Once its engine is ignited, passengers will reach the opposite shore even before they manage to settle firmly on their seats. When the situation is better, we can probably get the rough meaning out of the translation but in the worst case-scenario, it simply fails to convey the real meaning and those presented before us is complete absurdity.

Due to an error in the translation by Google Translate, our government had once become a laughingstock internationally. Many were horrified when a banner with Chinese words that read “Official welcoming ceremony, with him Wen Jiabao His Excellency’s official visit Malaysia” was displayed to welcome Chinese premier Wen Jiabao,.

It is totally unjustifiable that a country claimed to have three major ethnic groups and culture diversity fails to come out with a proper sentence in Chinese language.

When I recently visited my home town, I was delighted upon discovering some government offices had started to display signs in Chinese language. When I looked closer, I couldn’t help but frown in disappointment once again because the signs were barely comprehensible. The authorities’ intention of displaying Chinese translation was good, but why didn’t they consult their Chinese compatriots to ensure the words were correct before actually putting up the signs? It is very obvious that we have a sound Chinese education system. Is it very difficult to direct the question to a passerby to clarify things up?

Signs and banners appearing incomprehensible and misleading with wrong usage of grammar will only continue to poison the mind of more people and ruin the language, if the mistakes are not detected and rectified on time and end up being displayed over shop entrance or by roadside.

By CHUA SZE CHIH
Translated by Chan Li Lin
Sin Chew Daily