Problems
One of the biggest problems that people face when they try to translate a song is the fact that many songs are written about events that are unfamiliar to their target audience. Because of this, a literal translation can lead to weird song lyrics. Also, many songs are written about events that are not relevant to the target audience. When a song is translated into another language, it is important that it stays within the word limit that corresponds to the rhythm of the song.
Another problem with lyrics translation is cultural context. When translating a song from one language to another, the number of sounds per word increases dramatically. In English, for example, there is one word per sound, but in Japanese, there are many. This makes the translation process more complicated, as translators must choose words that will fit the melody. One example of this is the fact that four herb names appear in the lyrics of the song “Scarborough Fair,” yet these herb names were considered talismans in Western culture during the middle ages. Translation problems are not limited to language, however; human translations also need to be accurate.
Techniques
There are a few key techniques to consider when translating lyrics. While the overall tone of a song is important, the audience it is intended for is also crucial. Translating a song for a general audience requires that you translate the lyrics in plain language, while a song that is meant to be sung requires a different translation. To ensure that the translation conveys the same meaning, you should take time to learn about the target audience.
The first step in translating lyrics is to determine the language and genre of the song. Many translators prefer a poetic translation because listeners tend to enjoy pretty tunes over wacky wordplay. However, this approach has its drawbacks, especially when the lyrics are complex. In those cases, the safest technique is to write a completely new version of the lyrics. This way, you can bring the original meaning across in an appropriate poetic form.
Time needed for translation
In an experiment where participants were given different tasks, one group was asked to translate songs by hand, whereas the other group did so automatically. Participants did not know how long it took to translate the lyrics by hand, so some gave up early. Nonetheless, the working time is of no use because several participants failed the task. The average number of operations and the standard error are shown in Figure 11. Each axis shows the layout of operable parts.
A successful translation needs to match the original song’s lyric structure. The new lyrics must match the melody and rhyme, while retaining the rhyme and rhythm. This may require adding or deleting words to make the translation fit into the original song. The translator should also consider the poetic devices used in the original song, such as repetition, in the new translation. The climax in the line should match that of the original, which may require rearranging the lyrics.
Adaptation to new culture
Adaptation of lyrics to a new culture occurs in many contexts. For example, the Swazi king required his warriors to sing together. Musicians may practice solo, but the ultimate goal is group enjoyment. Brown (2000) argues that music is a group adaptation – it promotes affinity, cooperation and group cohesion. It also promotes individual self-expression. The Swazi example illustrates how music has become a global phenomenon.