Understanding The Nuances Lost In Squid Game Translations: Address Terms and Swearing

Summary:

Korean language professor Joo Won-seo shares her insights on the translation differences in the English subtitles of the popular Netflix series Squid Game. Address terms and swearing expressions are two areas where the nuances are lost in translation. Honorifics and family relationship terms play a significant role in the Korean language, and subtle changes in their use reflect a shift in the relationship between characters. Likewise, the translation of cursing words into PG terms fails to convey the harshness and vulgarity of the original expression. Translation is a challenging job, and while the subtitles successfully convey the storyline, the nuances are inevitably lost.

The Importance of Address Terms in the Korean Language:

The subtitle translations in Squid Game miss out on the significance of address terms in the Korean language. Honorifics, such as “sajangnim” (president) and “hyung” (older brother), and family relationship terms, such as “oppa” (older brother to a woman), are deeply ingrained in Korean culture and language. They reflect the social hierarchy and intimacy level between characters. The use of these terms evolves throughout the series, indicating a shift in the relationship between characters. While these nuances are difficult to translate into English, the lack of their inclusion results in the loss of an essential component of the Korean language and culture.

Understanding the Use of Honorifics and Family Relationship Terms:

As Joo Won-seo explains, the use of honorifics in the Korean language extends beyond the workplace. The term “sajangnim” is used to refer to anyone who looks like a boss or an older authority figure in a suit. Likewise, the term “hyung” is used to refer to an older brother or elder brother of a man. Its use extends beyond familial relationships and applies to other social relationships, signifying closeness and intimacy. In Squid Game, the use of such terms reflects a shift in the relationship between characters. The failure to include them in the subtitle translations results in the loss of this critical aspect of the Korean language and culture.

The Significance of Oppa and Its Use in Squid Game:

Oppa, a term used to refer to an older brother to a woman, is an essential component of Korean language and culture. Its use extends to romantic relationships between a man and a woman. In Squid Game, the character Han Mi-ho attempts to use “oppa” to bring her closer to Jang Deok-su. The use of the term implies that she is younger than him, and it signals their growing closeness. However, the subtitle translations miss out on the nuances, translating it as “babe.” As Joo Won-seo explains, the term oppa is a family relationship term and reflects the social hierarchy and intimacy level between characters. Its exclusion from the subtitles results in the loss of an essential aspect of the Korean culture.

Lost in Translation: Korean Swearing Expressions:

The use of curse words and vulgar expressions in Squid Game is significant in revealing the characters’ backgrounds and their level of education. However, the translations fail to convey the harshness of the original expression. The term “새끼,” translated as “jerk,” actually means a baby animal and is considered offensive, similar to cursing at one’s mother. The use of the term reflects the character’s lower education and social status. However, the translations sanitize the expression, translating it to PG terms like “scumbag.” The failure to include the original expression results in the loss of a crucial component of the Korean language and culture.

The Role of Language in Uncovering Character Background:

As Joo Won-seo points out, the use of vulgar language and expressions helps to uncover the character’s backgrounds and level of education. In Squid Game, the character Han Mi-ho’s use of low-class expressions reflects her uneducated background. Despite being a woman, she uses cursing words and vulgar expressions that are typically associated with men in lower-class occupations. Her use of language also reflects her economic status and suggests that she has been financially struggling. The translations miss out on these subtle nuances, resulting in the loss of an important aspect of the Korean culture.

Conclusion:

Translation is a challenging job, and while subtitles successfully convey the storyline, they inevitably lose the nuances of the original language and culture. Nuances like honorifics, address terms, and swearing expressions are essential components of the Korean language and culture. As Squid Game’s popularity shows, Netflix’s international language series will likely continue to gain popularity. As English speakers, the discussion of the language nuances lost in translation can highlight the richness and complexities of other cultures’ languages.