Lost in Translation
How a Small English Mistake Can Lead to Big Embarrassment in Business
Learning Business English can be challenging, especially when it comes to avoiding embarrassing mistakes.
A tiny slip in language can have hilarious or disastrous consequences in the professional world.
Let’s explore some common mistakes that Business English learners might make, how these errors can lead to awkward situations, and what you can do to avoid them.
1. The Perils of False Friends
False friends are words in English that look or sound similar to words in another language but have completely different meanings.
For instance, the English word "actual" looks like the Spanish word "actual," but in Spanish, it means "current," not "real."
Example Scenario: Imagine you're in a meeting with a client, and you say, "The actual results will be available next week." If your client speaks Spanish, they might think you're talking about the current results, leading to confusion when next week arrives, and they receive a different set of data.
Key Phrases to Watch Out For:
"Actual" vs. "Current": Always clarify by saying "real results" or "current results" depending on what you mean.
"Sympathetic" vs. "Sympático": "Sympathetic" in English means understanding, not friendly like "sympático" in Spanish. You could say, "I understand your situation," instead of "I'm sympathetic."
Suggestion: Before using a word that looks familiar from your native language, double-check its meaning in English.
2. The Trap of Direct Translations
Direct translations from your native language can be tempting but often lead to awkward phrasing or misunderstandings. What sounds natural in one language might sound strange or even rude in English.
Example Scenario: A German speaker might say, "I want to become acquainted with the project" when they mean "I want to get familiar with the project." While technically correct, the former sounds overly formal and might confuse native speakers.
Key Phrases to Watch Out For:
"Become acquainted with" vs. "Get familiar with": Use "get familiar with" for a more natural and less formal expression.
"Make party" vs. "Have a party": Instead of saying, "We will make a party for our colleagues," say, "We will have a party for our colleagues."
Suggestion: Learn common English phrases and expressions rather than relying on direct translations from your native language.
3. The Danger of Misusing Idioms
Idioms are expressions where the meaning isn’t literal. Using them incorrectly can lead to confusion or even make you sound unprofessional.
Example Scenario: Suppose you say, "Let’s hit the books!" during a meeting, intending to encourage the team to work hard. While this phrase is correct in the context of studying, in a business meeting, it would be more appropriate to say, "Let's get down to business."
Key Phrases to Watch Out For:
"Hit the books" vs. "Get down to business": Reserve "hit the books" for studying, and use "get down to business" in work settings.
"Piece of cake" vs. "Walk in the park": Both mean something is easy, but "piece of cake" is more casual, while "walk in the park" can be used in slightly more formal contexts.
Suggestion: When in doubt, stick to simpler expressions, or ask a native speaker if you're unsure how to use an idiom.
4. Politeness Pitfalls: Using Direct Language
English, especially in a business context, often requires a level of politeness that may not be as necessary in other languages. Being too direct can come off as rude or overly blunt.
Example Scenario: A Russian speaker might say, "Give me the report by 5 PM," which in English can sound demanding. Instead, you could say, "Could you please send me the report by 5 PM?" This version is softer and more polite.
Key Phrases to Watch Out For:
"Give me" vs. "Could you please give me": Always soften requests by using polite phrases like "could you please" or "would you mind."
"I need" vs. "I would like": Replace "I need" with "I would like" to make requests sound less demanding.
Suggestion: Practice using polite forms of requests and questions. Over-politeness is usually better than sounding too direct.
Conclusion…
Making mistakes is a natural part of learning any language, and Business English is no exception.
However, by being aware of common pitfalls like false friends, direct translations, idiom misuse, and politeness errors, you can avoid embarrassing situations and communicate more effectively.
Remember, when in doubt, it's always a good idea to ask a colleague or use a more straightforward expression.
With practice, you'll not only improve your language skills but also gain confidence in your business interactions.
So, next time you’re about to say something in a meeting, take a moment to consider…
Could this be a false friend?
Is this translation a bit too direct?
Is this idiom appropriate?
Your careful consideration might just save you from a funny yet awkward situation!