Languages and Linguistics

OneGrassRoot

(23,810 posts) Fri Aug 22, 2025, 12:33 PM Friday

Question about translation of a largely US phrase into other languages

Literal translations may not be best, so what is the best resource to get culturally relevant translations of sayings like Black Lives Matter, for example? Do I need to find people fluent in each language, or is there another way to go about it? An online translator that goes beyond the literal perhaps? I've looked to no avail.

Thanks!

3 replies

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Question about translation of a largely US phrase into other languages (Original Post) OneGrassRoot Friday OP

Alternately, DU is probably the best place to ask people... OneGrassRoot Friday #1

Use AI in a google search. Irish_Dem Friday #2

Excellent! Thanks very much. n/t OneGrassRoot Friday #3

OneGrassRoot

(23,810 posts)

1. Alternately, DU is probably the best place to ask people...

Reply to OneGrassRoot (Original post)

Fri Aug 22, 2025, 12:40 PM

Friday

No doubt there are members here who are fluent in nearly every language, or know someone who is. lol

Irish_Dem

(73,471 posts)

2. Use AI in a google search.

Reply to OneGrassRoot (Original post)

Fri Aug 22, 2025, 12:44 PM

Friday

I just did this for the French translation since I am somewhat familiar with that language,
and was told that a literal direct translation like "la vie des noirs compte"
could be done, but it is not considered the best translation.

AI gives you the best translation.

AI Overview

In French, "Black Lives Matter" is often used in English, as in "le mouvement Black Lives Matter". While a direct translation like "La vie des Noirs compte" exists, it is not considered a catchy or appropriate translation by many French speakers for the movement.

OneGrassRoot

(23,810 posts)

3. Excellent! Thanks very much. n/t

Reply to Irish_Dem (Reply #2)

Fri Aug 22, 2025, 01:10 PM

Friday

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