Idioms are expressions that are widely used. Idioms make use of examples and figures of speech to convey something special. If you try to translate Christmas-related idioms using Google Translate, you probably will be very disappointed with the results. This is because the more common expressions on Christmas time have a very human touch.
Close cultural connections
Though these common expressions are very beautiful they are also at the same time limited by their culture. This close connection to culture is the reason why common expressions on Christmas time are hard to translate into a second language. For many translators, these expressions can be quite hard to translate. Fortunately, there are a few translation techniques that if used correctly, can help you translate common expressions on Christmas time without much difficulty.
Different translation techniques
The first technique you should think about using is trying to find common expressions in the target language which use the same words as well as structure as the source language. Though this is an excellent solution, you will not easily find such common expressions. Another technique worth checking out is finding common expressions on Christmas time in your language that make use of different words but which have the same meaning and structure. You can also use another technique which is to find a common expression in your language that may have different words and different structure but which have the same meaning as the target language.
Human translations are the best option
The best way to find common expressions on Christmas time is by talking to a native speaker. Instead of trying to translate these expressions with an automatic translator, you should hire a translator. Automatic translators will produce some very funny and embarrassing translations. Ideally, it makes sense to find an English speaker who is able to explain the meaning of the expression to you. Once you know what the common expression means, it becomes easier to find a similar expression in the target language.
Avoid automatic translators
The trouble with using automatic translation apps to translate common expressions on Christmas time is they will not be able to catch the cultural reference and hence will fail at doing a proper translation. Even human translators find it hard to interpret these expressions. Only those with strong knowledge of the culture will be able to do a good job of translating the expressions.
Human translators can do a good job because they can make use of the many tips that are available online. Unless the translator understands the cultural background of the common expressions on Christmas time, he or she will not be able to do a good job of translating the expression. At the same time, translators need to also look for metaphors in the target language and they should try to paraphrase these expressions while at the same time keeping the identical meaning as the original.
The bottom line is when it comes to translating common expressions on Christmas time, you must know and understand the metaphors and cultural relevance of the target language.
