Which of the following describes 'faulty translations' as a semantic barrier to communication?
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 4
The correct answer is Option (4) → A message drafted in one language is changed into another language by a person who does not know both languages well.
Option (1) A message drafted in one language is translated into another because the workers do not understand the first language well. — Incorrect. This only gives the reason a translation is needed. Messages drafted in English sometimes have to be put into Hindi so that workers can follow them. The need to translate is not itself a barrier. The meaning goes wrong only when the translation is badly done.
Option (2) A message translated into the workers’ language carries an assumption that the workers interpret in a way other than the one the communicator meant. — Incorrect. This is unclarified assumptions. The trouble comes from an assumption left unstated in the message, as in “Take care of our guest”. The change of language plays no part in it.
Option (3) A message translated into the workers’ language uses a word such as ‘value’ that has several meanings, and the workers take a meaning other than the one the communicator meant. — Incorrect. This is symbols with different meanings. A word like ‘value’ can mean different things, and the workers picked the wrong one. The fault lies in the word with several meanings.
Option (4) A message drafted in one language is changed into another language by a person who does not know both languages well. — Correct. Faulty translation is a semantic barrier that arises while a message is put into the workers’ language. If the translator is not proficient with both the languages, mistakes creep in and the message takes a different meaning.
NCERT (2026-27 Edition): “(ii) Symbols with different meanings: A word may have several meanings. Receiver has to perceive one such meaning for the word used by communicator. …” “(iii) Faulty translations: Sometimes the communications originally drafted in one language (e.g., English) need to be translated to the language understandable to workers (e.g., Hindi). If the translator is not proficient with both the languages, mistakes may creep in causing different meanings to the communication. “(v) Technical jargon: It is usually found that specialists use technical jargon while explaining to persons who are not specialists in the concerned field. Therefore, they may not understand the actual meaning of many such words.” |