The food and agriculture sector plays a significant role in Canada’s economy, with many growing businesses looking to expand their reach through exports. To successfully navigate international markets, effective and targeted communication is crucial for complying with standards, meeting customer expectations, and satisfying business partners. By working with a team of specialized translators, you can ensure that your message resonates with your audience, increasing your chances of success in exporting.
Menu translations within the food and agriculture sector are particularly challenging. Think back to the last time you visited a restaurant and chuckled at the sight of unfamiliar dishes with names that were difficult to pronounce.
Culinary traditions vary widely between countries and even within different regions of the same country. This diversity often makes literal translations of dish names impossible, as there may be no equivalent term in the target language. As a result, menus often need to be adapted by describing a dish’s main ingredients instead of simply translating its name.
Take the well-known French dish, croque-monsieur, for instance. A literal translation into English could result in something far from appetizing, like “eat the gentleman.” It's often better to keep the original name in French. Another example is the Spanish dish pico de gallo, which literally means “rooster’s beak.” While the term may seem peculiar, it actually refers to a fresh salsa made with tomatoes, onions, and cilantro. The literal translation doesn’t reflect the dish's vibrant and tangy flavours, so using the original Spanish name is preferable for clarity and accuracy.
In conclusion, when dealing with translations in the food and agriculture sector, it's essential to work with specialists who understand the complexities involved and can provide expert guidance.