Translation is not just about conveying messages across many languages but harnessing respect, empathy, and a clear understanding between cultures and languages. Our modern world is increasingly globalized, and communication is happening very fast. Not just in real life, person-to-person, but through the internet, communication is fast-paced and readily available. This can cause a less-than-authentic approach to cultural communication and humility.
Why Cultural Humility is Important
Because of our fast-paced world, cultural humility is more important now than ever. We need to harness a commitment to learning new languages and exploring different cultures with an open mind and heart. Practicing humility when translating professionally helps with a clear understanding but also helps show genuine humility and respect for one’s language and culture. With this authentic and respectful mindset, we can recognize that our cultural experiences shape our understanding of our fast-paced world.
Cultural humility encourages us to engage with every translation as an opportunity to grow. It calls for an open mind and the willingness to learn through new experiences. This will allow professional translators to bridge the gap between them and people from different backgrounds, ethnicities, and cultures. As professionals, we don’t just seek grammatical correctness but a deeper, more meaningful connection with those we are working with.
Why Local Expertise Matters
To honor cultural humility, we must acknowledge that language is dynamic, shaped by local influences, and constantly changing. While someone may be fluent in a language like Spanish, regional variations can significantly affect meaning. For example, phrases common in Spain might not resonate with a Mexican audience—and could even create confusion and lead to a misunderstanding.
Professional translation is not a one-size-fits-all process. It takes time to learn and practice cultural humility. There are several ways we, as professional translators, can be mindful of our cultural humility. Learning more about a specific region’s dialects and cultural references, reading about the specific culture, and working with native speakers will bridge that gap. It will bring more trust, respect, and authenticity to the translation.
Reflection and Growth as Part of the Process
Cultural humility isn’t a skill that can be mastered; it is a skill that is continuously a work in progress. Professional translators are often tasked with examining their cultural biases and assumptions, learning their craft with continued practice and dedication.
Translation is an art form that can bring great joy and fulfilment to both the professional and the person speaking. It is a dance between two strangers that can be beautiful and respectful when cultural humility is part of the process. As professionals, we always aim to provide an accurate translation. Still, we also want to connect authentically with someone from a different culture and background, and we can achieve that with cultural humility.
English