Rules Of Translation

Question

I read the following sentence on-line, “Pues imagínate que nos enojamos por culpa de mi suegra,” which I would imagine being translated as “well, imagine that we got angry because of my mother-in-law.” However, the translation that was provided was “Well we argued because of my mother-in-law.” When is it appropriate, in translating, not to translate word for word when it can be done?

Thanks for having a profile that tells us about yourself, for asking a question that is well written and makes sense. I wish I could give you more than one vote. - Jubilado, Apr 17, 2016

I just added mine. - Daniela2041, Apr 17, 2016

Answer 1

I agree with Daniela.

People often confuse translation with interpretation. People confuse a language with street slang etc.

And I agree with you. - Jubilado, Apr 17, 2016

Thank you Sir. - chileno, Apr 17, 2016

Answer 2

When translating word for word makes sense, that's when you should do it. However there are sooo many expressions that do not make any sense at all when translating literally from one language to another. However in the sentence you gave, I agree fully with your translation.

Answer 3

Enojar is seldom if ever used for discussed or argued. That would be "discutir" or less often "pelearse" or "argumentar".

So I agree that your translation is better than the one given.

Word for word translations versus jest of the idea translations are very difficult. While a word for word translation might communicate the idea in an understandable way, a native speaker will often offer an alternative that is so much more elegant (for lack of a better word).

This happens to me all the time and is a great learning opportunity that you get in spoken language. You say something and the other party repeats it in their more natural way as a way of confirming understanding.