Question

The often-cited example of the different possible translations into English of the Japanese word mokusatsu, which led to a major misunderstanding between the Japanese and the Allies during World War II, is an example of what translation problem?

Answer 1

Answer:

D. vocabulary equivalence

Explanation:

According to a different source, these are the options that come with this question:

A. conceptual equivalence

B. experiential equivalence

C. idiomatic equivalence

D. vocabulary equivalence

This is an example of the problem of vocabulary equivalence. Languages are not built in the same way, and therefore, we do not always have an equivalent word in English to translate every word of a foreign language. In this example, the word "mokusatsu" was not exactly equal to any word in English. Therefore, the translator is tasked with having to find a word in English that most closely resembles it. The focus of the translator should be on the meaning of the word, even if this has to be conveyed through several words.