What Netflix Translators Couldn't Translate While Translating Extraordinary Attorney Woo


Localizing one language into another immediately comes to mind when we think about translation. The popularity of K-drama and K-movies in particular has led to the Korean language being one that is frequently translated into other foreign languages. The popularity of "Squid Game" last year caused the Korean translation issue to be brought to the attention of people all around the world. Recently, "Extraordinary Attorney Woo" became well-known all over the world thanks to Netflix.

Source: Google Image

When Woo Young-Woo presented herself as "My name is Woo Young-woo whether it is read straight or flipped" and added “기러기, 토마토, 스위스, 인도인, 별똥별, 우영우” (Goose, Tomato, Swiss, Indian, Shooting Star, Woo Young-Woo) in Korean, there was a translation issue in the drama "Extraordinary Attorney Woo." Even when read backwards in Korean, the identical terms were to be listed. In order to demonstrate that even when the spelling is reversed, the words are still pronounced the same, Netflix translated this specific line as "Kayak, deed, rotator, midday, racecar, Woo Young-Woo."

                                         Source: Google Image

There was one line, though, that was difficult to translate. The fact that Netflix translated the name “역삼역” (Yeoksam Yeok) as "Yeoksam Station" when Woo Young-Woo starts working at a legal firm in the region known as "Yeoksam Yeok" certainly misled many foreign viewers. This is because structural differences prevent a direct translation of Korean palindromes into English. In Korean, what looks to be the same when read straight or flipped will not be effective in English.

                                                    Source: Google Image

Through translation, various cultures and languages are brought together. When translating, it's crucial to underline the variations between languages and how they're organized. Today, we examined "Extraordinary Attorney Woo," a well-liked K-drama. We congratulate all the translators who are consistently doing their best job to translate series the best of luck.


Need a translation? I’M Translation and ISIS Korea provides professional translation and interpretation services.


How might I’MTranslation and ISiS Korea aid translation?
At I’M Translation and ISiS Korea, we can connect you with a professional translators and interpreters. We have over 30+ languages available on our platform and we are flexible and available regardless of the language pair, topic, and time zone. Please visit us at www.imtranslation.com and www.isiskorea.com/eng to request a free translation and interpretation quote. Thank you!

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Understanding Korean Culture Through Language: How Language Reflects Cultural Nuances and Societal Values in Korea

Image
Understanding Korean Culture Through Language: How Language Reflects Cultural Nuances and Societal Values in Korea Introduction Language is more than just a means of communication; it serves as a reflection of a culture’s values, beliefs, and social norms. Korean, with its distinctive linguistic features, offers rich insights into Korean culture. This post explores how the Korean language mirrors societal values and cultural nuances, and the role of translation and Honorifics and Politeness Levels Honorifics : Korean uses various levels of formality to indicate respect and social status, such as “ 안녕하세요 ” (annyeonghaseyo) for formal greetings versus “ 안녕 ” (annyeong) for informal ones. Translation : Capturing these nuances in translation requires understanding the context and choosing appropriate formal or informal terms in the target language. Interpretation : In real-time settings, interpreters must adjust their language to reflect the pro...
Read more

The Evolution of Translation Tools: From Babel Fish to AI

Image
The Evolution of Translation Tools: From Babel Fish to AI Translation tools have come a long way since the early days of language translation, evolving from rudimentary aids to sophisticated AI-powered systems. This journey reflects not just technological advancements but also changes in how we approach and understand language. Here’s a look at the evolution of translation tools, from the mythical Babel Fish to today's cutting-edge AI technologies. 1. The Mythical Beginnings: The Babel Fish The concept of universal translation can be traced back to Douglas Adams' "The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy," where the Babel Fish, a small creature that translates any language for its wearer, serves as a humorous yet idealistic symbol of universal communication. While fictional, this idea captured the imagination and desire for seamless translation across languages. 2. Early Translation Attempts: Machine Translation Origins **a. ** Early 20th Century: Statistical ...
Read more

Overview of ISIS Korea's Mission and Services

Image
Overview of ISIS Korea's Mission and Services At ISIS Korea, our mission is to bridge language gaps and foster effective communication across cultures. As a leading provider of translation and interpretation services, we are dedicated to ensuring that our clients can convey their messages with clarity and precision, regardless of the language. Our Mission Our core mission is to facilitate seamless and accurate communication in an increasingly interconnected world. We are committed to delivering high-quality translations and interpretations that not only convey words but also respect cultural nuances and context. By doing so, we help businesses and individuals navigate the complexities of global communication with confidence. Our Services Document Translation: We offer comprehensive translation services for various types of documents, including legal, technical, medical, and marketing materials. Our team of expert linguists ensures that every document ...
Read more