"We Are All Trying Here": Why Netflix's Translations May Fall Short

"I teach students that literal linguistic translations can sometimes be unsatisfactory. A popular example of this in psychology is how the English word "blue" is used to describe low mood ("I feel blue"). A dictionary translation of "blue" into other languages to convey sadness will likely result in confusion. Instead, linguistic translations that prioritize conceptual or functional equivalence are warranted."

"This benefit of the non-literal but conceptually and functionally comparable translation also applies in the world of Korean dramas (K-dramas), such as when show titles are translated from Korean to English. For example, Netflix's "When Life Gives You Tangerines" was originally titled "폭싹 속았수다" (pok-ssak so-gat-su-da); this roughly translates to, "You have given a good effort." Suffice to say, "When Life Gives You Tangerines" is arguably a more globally appealing translation than its more literal counterpart."

"There are times, though, when the pendulum swings the other way; when not doing a literal translation results in some disconnect with core themes of a project like a K-drama series. My family and I are currently in the middle of watching the JTBC series available on Netflix for global audiences, "We Are All Trying Here" (currently on episode 8). This show centers the story of Dong-man Hwang, an aspiring movie director and writer in his forties who has not yet tasted success."

"The Korean title is "모두가 자신의 무가치함과 싸우고 있다" (moduga jasin-ui mugachihamgwa ssaugo itda). I know the title is a mouthful - Koreans have been shortening it to 모자무싸 (mo-ja-mu-ssa), taking the first syllable of the major words - and the literally translated title would be, "We Are All Fighting Our Own Worthlessness." As I reflect on the story depicted in the drama series, I am struck by how the global audience-friendly translation of "We Are All Trying Here" misses the target on som"

Literal word-for-word translation can confuse meaning, such as translating “blue” to convey sadness without preserving the intended concept. Conceptual or functional equivalence can better match how audiences understand the message, including when Korean drama titles are adapted for English markets. “When Life Gives You Tangerines” is presented as a more globally appealing English title than a more literal Korean rendering, because it aligns with the intended sentiment. However, non-literal translation can also drift away from central themes. In “We Are All Trying Here,” the Korean title points directly to fighting personal worthlessness, while the English title emphasizes trying, potentially weakening the focus on that theme for global viewers.

Read at Psychology Today