TRANSLATION ERRORS OF SOFT DRINK PRODUCT LABELS FROM INDONESIAN INTO ENGLISH

Abstract

Translating soft drink product labels seems complicated because it shows many errors of translation. This fact really attracts us to investigate and search what types of translation errors are available in those labels. To answer the question, we conducted a descriptive qualitative research. In relation to this research we used four samples of soft drink product labels taken from the soft drink cans produced by factories in Indonesia. In gathering the data, we used documentation technique. The data were collected and documented, then classified based on the error classification in the form of data tabulation. After all data were gathered, they were analyzed by using content analysis data. In classifying the translation errors, we used the ATA’s Framework for Standard Error Making. From the data analysis we found that the soft drink product labels translation had many errors. The dominant errors found in those labels were 1) Mistranslation into Target Language, 2) Addition, 3) Word choice, 4) Too free translated, 5) Too literal, word-for-word, 6) Grammar, 7) Punctuation, and 8) Spelling. From the findings we can conclude that the translation of soft drink product labels still have errors and a poor quality that can mislead consumers or readerships. There must be a strategy that can eliminate and reduce the errors in translation of soft drink product labels.

Keywords: Translation errors, soft drink product labels, ATA’s Standard Errors, content analysis