A visual exploration of what gets lost (and found) in translation.
Context
‘Can you say that again?’ features a series of 12 poster-sized illustrations playfully depicting French idioms. In the English language, you might say, ‘it’s raining cats and dogs’ for heavy rain, while the equivalent French expression is ‘il tombe des cordes’, meaning ‘ropes are falling’. Each piece features a French idiom translated literally into English, creating a mirror for visitors to reflect on cultural aspects of their language.
In an era of globalisation and easily accessible travel, the benefits of learning a second language are increasingly apparent. I began learning English at the age of seven and my proficiency improved significantly when I moved to Australia for the first time in 2019. I remember the initial challenges of making even the simplest sentences. Speaking a second language in a foreign country can be difficult, and is an experience many people can relate to, particularly in places like Australia, where immigration continues to play a significant role in its development.
Through this project, I emphasise the importance of cultural context in language learning and address this peculiar, sometimes alienating experience in a playful, light-hearted, and educational way.
Accompanying these posters is a didactic deck of cards, with the front displaying the illustrations and the back providing the French idiom translated into English, its original French version, and its equivalent in English. Both the symbolic illustration series and the card deck were created using Procreate, InDesign and Photoshop.
This work was exhibited at the Curtin University Art Degree Show and at Contemporary Art Spaces Mandurah as part of the exhibition Today | Tomorrow.
