Lost in Translation: The Humorous Side of Language in Customer Service

As we approach International Translation Day on the 30th of this month, it’s a great time to reflect on the nuances of language and communication. Having spent considerable time in the customer service industry, I’ve witnessed my fair share of translation blunders that serve as a humorous reminder of how even the most well-meaning companies can stumble in their efforts. Whether the translation is done by a machine or a distracted human, these amusing mishaps highlight the challenges that language barriers can create. So, why not take a moment to share some of these entertaining experiences?

 Here’s one sign I spotted in a Nairobi supermarket. The plastic shopping bags came with a warning about waste disposal:

• Kiswahili: Chunga mazingira, tupa taka mahali panapostahili.
• What it should have said: “Keep the environment clean. Dispose of waste properly.”
• What it actually said: “Take care of the environment. Throw rubbish suspiciously.”

Apparently, we’re supposed to be sneaky when getting rid of our trash!

Another one, from a park, was meant to remind visitors to avoid stepping on the grass:

• Kiswahili: Hii sehemu imefungwa. Tafadhali usikanyage nyasi.
• What it should have said: “This area is closed. Please don’t step on the grass.”
• What it actually said: “This part is closed. Don’t step on the grasses or else you will be prosecuted by law.”

A bit aggressive, right? Also, which law exactly?

Translation mishaps like these are more common than you’d think, and they often stem from a few usual suspects. First up, we’ve got over-reliance on machine translations. Don’t get me wrong—machines are great. They help us automate, simplify, and even translate in real time. But sometimes, they’re not exactly fluent in the nuances of language. A computer might know what a word means, but it doesn’t always understand how it’s used. So, we end up with plastic bags urging us to “throw rubbish suspiciously”—probably not the environmental campaign message they had in mind!

Then there’s the classic case of literal translation. This happens when the person translating sticks too closely to the original language, word for word, without considering context. It’s like trying to follow a recipe for lasagna but ending up with a pancake—it’s still food, but definitely not what you were aiming for. That’s how a simple “don’t step on the grass” morphs into a legal threat of prosecution!

And let’s not forget the human factor. Sometimes, it’s just a good old-fashioned typo or someone not fully paying attention. Maybe they’re juggling too many tasks or trying to rush through translations without double-checking. It happens! But when it does, we’re left with hilarious signs and confusing instructions that provide us with a good laugh (and maybe a bit of head-scratching).

Now, as a call center that offers multilingual customer support, I have to admit—we’ve had our share of amusing translation moments. But don’t worry, we’ve never had a translation so bad it could literally kill your customers! While translation blunders can happen, we make it our mission to ensure that no one’s life (or legal standing) is at risk due to a mistranslated word.

What’s key in providing top-notch multilingual support is recognizing that every language has its quirks. Whether it’s the subtle differences in phrases or the cultural context behind certain expressions, a successful translation goes beyond just knowing the vocabulary. It’s about understanding how to convey meaning in a way that’s natural and accurate for the customer on the other end of the line. That’s why our team is not only fluent but also culturally savvy, making sure nothing gets lost (or hilariously mistranslated) in the process.

Of course, I’m not denying that the occasional funny mix-up can happen to the best of us. But trust me, when it comes to critical customer support interactions, we’ve got it covered. We’re here to help—not to confuse!