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Lost in translation
Mindy A. Facio
The University of Texas at El Paso

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Abstract
When translanguaging, it is important to understand code-switching and how
to use it because there might be certain types of problems that might arise
when one of more parties does not know one language. Translanguaging is
the process where users can go between using one or more languages in a
conversation. With this in mind, code-switching is in the same category as
translanguaging. As a result, using more than one language it often leads to
miscommunication. Therefore, it is vital to know the languages being spoken
to avoid such mishaps. The report will go through how one can have
miscommunication in code-switching, how to try to correct any confusion and
the function of language.
So then one can ask themselves:

Why do we get lost in translation?

How can we correct this problem?

What is translanguaging and how can we use it

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Lost in translation
Code-switching is present when using more than one language in a conversation. Not
being fluent in either one of the languages being spoken can cause miscommunication. As we are
aware in the English language sometimes words have two or more meanings. It is also safe to
assume that the same is true in every language and there is where we can often get confused or
not understand what the other party is trying to communicate to us. Again, this paper will address
the ease of miscommunication while code-switching or translanguaging. Also, it will also go
over code-switching and translanguaging and finally how to try to avoid mishaps while
translanguaging.

Miscommunication
To understand how we may encounter miscommunication in code-switching we have to
first look at language function. Language function refers to the purposes in which we use
language to communicate. (See What language functions are?) So we uses language to
communicate with each other, whether it be through body language, sign language or speech.
Making yourself clear while communicating is key. A man may be reading the wrong body
language of a women across the bar and ask her on a date. Meanwhile, the women may have no
idea that shes giving this man signals to him. Additionally, I have found that in one of my
discourse communities where communication is key, playing softball, not only do we have any
ever changing atmosphere and countless possibilities of where the ball might go, it is extremely
vital that we all communicate with each other to avoid errors in the game or worse, the
possibility of being injured. Ultimately, miscommunication is inevitable when mixing two or
more languages but can be avoided.

Correcting the problem

Trying to correct the problem of misunderstanding is quite easy if we first understand our
language awareness. Language awareness comes from our understanding the languages being
spoken. Personally, I believe that language awareness goes hand-in-hand with culture identity as
author Anzaldua explains in How to tame a wild tongue (2951) Ethnic identity is twin skin to
linguistic identity. She then goes on to explain how she is proud of her heritage and back ground
and identifies herself with the language she speaks which is Spanglish because she is both
Mexican and American. It is important to also remember the power of language. Another more
comical example we can use to identify the power of language can come from a short video clip
from Bill Maher. In this short video, Bill Maher explains in a satirical sense the power of
language. He implies that renaming certain phrases such as The Death tax instead of simply
The estate tax can make this seem much more alarming to the public than it really is. This
could also be an example of language function where it refers to the purpose in which we use
language to communicate. In conclusion, the solution to this problem can be easily remedied
with a bit more knowledge when code-switching with others.
Translanguaging
Translanguaing is the process where users go back and forth in a conversation using one
or more languages. Code-switching is along the same lines as translanguaging. Translanguaging
was often frowned upon in previous years but is now being taught in schools all over the world.
It is thought that children who are bilingual at an early age tend to be smarter than those children
who are monolingual.

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In conclusion, the act of being lost in translation is a common thing to come across
when translanguaing but it is important to understand the reasons behind the miscommunication
and try to use context clues to help yourself to better understand what the other party is trying to
convey.

Source: Horner, B., Lu, M., Royster, J.J., & Trimbur, J. (2011): Language Difference in Writing:
Toward a Translingual Approach
Source: Anzaldua (1987): How to tame a wild tongue
Source:Canagarajah (2006): The place of World Englishes in Writing: Pluralization Continued

What Are Language Functions? (n.d.). Retrieved March 26, 2016, from
http://eldstrategies.com/languagefunctions.html
H. (2015). Real Time With Bill Maher - The Power of Language #. Retrieved March 26,
2016, from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xD6nLfSxa5I