Lost in Translation

I bet lots of people have awkward moments when they use English for the first time.

During our last Speaking Practice for Adults we covered the topic “Lost in Translation”. It took us into the fascinating world of language, culture and fun moments.

We started by exploring funny literal translations and discovering that sometimes translating word for word can lead to very unexpected results.

Then we went deeper and looked at Ukrainian words and concepts that are difficult to express with just one English word — затишок, душевність, щирість, порядність, авось, туга, метушня.

How would you explain those words to someone who has never experienced it?

What’s the difference between awkward, embarrassed, and ashamed?

And does being direct always mean being rude?

Through role plays, language challenges, discussions, and personal stories, we discovered that speaking a language well is about much more than knowing vocabulary.

It’s about understanding context, culture, tone, emotions, and what people really mean between the lines.

And, of course, there was plenty of laughter, interesting stories, and those wonderful moments when someone suddenly says:

“Ohhh… now I get it!”

Because sometimes the hardest thing to translate… is a feeling.