Even before the emergence of the K-Pop culture and the hammer-like tracks by the German band Rammstein, the translation of song lyrics has been popular for decades. As the first websites appeared during the 90s, many people would collect translations of the songs and share their thoughts as they tried to find meaning. Regardless of the music style, people have always tried to look deep into every word as they listened to the same chords and sequences. The best part here is that it helps to unite the world’s languages by uniting people with the power of music.
Magic of Translating Music: Bringing the World’s Languages Together Through Song
– Addressing Cultural Translation Points.
The song is never like a usual text where you just turn to templates or scan through the vocabulary. For example, a song in Spanish is always a reflection of how people think and feel. Likewise, a world hit composed by the Beatles, or Rhianna will contain specific lyrics that might not even make sense in another language. The trick is to address cultural translation points! If it sounds too challenging, consider the best online translation service as a great solution. When you speak to a native, all the crucial parts will be considered to transpose the cultural vibe of the song and the author.
– Exploring The World Via Music.
When you are dealing with translations of a famous song (think about Erasure’s biggest hit!), you are also exploring the world and can share your emotions with foreigners. You will see how certain expressions and emotions can be used as you learn! It’s also a great way to start learning a foreign language since you have something that inspires you! Imagine coming to China and listening to a song you know well. Even though the lyrics differ, you will still know the song and dance along as you always know the meaning!
– Making Music Hits Global and Recognizable.
Translating song lyrics is not easy, as you have to fit the melody or create something new. It is often seen and done for the movie soundtracks where the dubbing occurs. There are many solutions to make lyrics work as long as you keep the original spirit! Sometimes it can be hard to recognize the hit as modern tricks are being used. At the same time, people often take famous songs and change the tempo or turn the slow tracks into an upbeat ones. It also means that the rhyme may change, or even some new lyrics can be added. The most important is to make things recognizable by helping people learn about what is popular elsewhere!
– Expanding Your Music Worldwide.
While only a few performers tend to do it, the artists who care for their audience compose songs in multiple languages. One may not even learn a language but try to sing and reach more people. Think about Scorpions and the multiple language versions of the famous “Wind of Change” or listen to the “The Magic of the Wizard’s Dream” by the Italian band called Rhapsody, where they asked the fans to translate lyrics in their native languages while fitting the original music. It shows that one can expand music worldwide and unite people of the world through true magic!
Is Direct or Poetic Translation Better?
It’s always a subject of debate! Just assume that you are watching an Indian movie and hear the voice behind the song that translates lyrics in a direct way. Sometimes, it’s much better to understand things this way as you watch the movie. Now, when you are dealing with a Disney movie for kids where you hear a famous song, a much better solution would be to translate things poetically with a rhyme and some cultural points that make the youngsters relate and feel. Therefore, it can work both ways and always depends on the situation and the target audience!
BIO
Olivia Evans loves listening to music as she writes and explores. As an educator passionate about technology and languages, Olivia seeks helpful solutions to let everyone learn. Follow Olivia to make your studies inspiring and have fun as you learn.