A hilarious translation fail on a sign at an Indian railway station has gone viral on social media, highlighting the importance of accurate translation and careful proofreading. The incident serves as a reminder of the potential pitfalls of relying heavily on machine translation tools.
Translation Fail: A Sign of Confusion
The sign, which was displayed at Ranchi Junction in Jharkhand, India, intended to provide information about the Hatia-Ernakulam Express, a weekly train service connecting Ranchi and Ernakulam cities. However, due to a translation error, the name of the train rendered as “Kolapathakam” in Malayalam, the language spoken in Kerala.
Translation Fail: The Meaning of Kolapathakam
The word “Kolapathakam” in Malayalam has a very different meaning from “Hatia” in Hindi. While “Hatia” simply refers to the name of a town, “Kolapathakam” translates to “murderer” or “assassin.” This caused considerable confusion and amusement among passengers and social media users who came across the sign.
Translation Fail: Social Media Uproar
Pictures of the sign quickly went viral on social media platforms like Twitter and Facebook, generating a flurry of comments and memes. Many users expressed their disbelief at the error, while others joked about the potential consequences of boarding a train named “Murderer Express.”
Translation Fail: Railways Acknowledge Error
In response to the online uproar, railway officials in Ranchi acknowledged the error and apologized for any inconvenience caused to passengers. They explained that the mistake occurred due to an oversight in the translation process.
Translation Fail: Lessons Learned
The incident serves as a valuable lesson for organizations that rely on translation services. It highlights the importance of using qualified translators and thoroughly reviewing translated materials before use. Additionally, it underscores the need for caution when using machine translation tools, as they can sometimes produce inaccurate or misleading results.
