Why is translating copy so hard?
Table of contents: 1. What is copywriting? 2. Why is copy so hard to translate? 2.1 Why context is king (or the importance of tone and target audience) 2.2 Translating humor ain't no joke 2.3 When literal translations are a no go 3. What is transcreation and how does it help? 3.1 Finally...you can´t forget SEO Copywriting is hard to translate, no question about it. What makes it so difficult is that it has developed into a branch of translating on its own. Marketing translators need to become experts to translate this type of text successfully and develop the creativity and writing skills to deliver. There are countless examples of copy translation that have gone wrong, even in big-name brands campaigns. Who can forget Coors Brewing Company failing with their “Turn it loose!” campaign? Which was translated as “ Suéltelo todo ” in Spain and interpreted as a euphemism for being stomach sick. Or ho...