Everyone seems to be following the Johnny Depp vs Amber Heard trial. There are plenty of videos online that cover all stages of the proceedings. One you may want to practice with is “Amber Heard Has Personality Disorder Claims Expert Witness in Johnny Depp Trial,” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_L9MsBGycSo

The psychologist claims that Ms. Heard, who has been accused of placing caca on Mr. Depp’s bed, suffers from “borderline personality disorder.” How do you translate that illness?

If you are having trouble finding a good equivalent for the word “borderline,” Please remember that we do not translate words. We translate cultural meanings.

The first step, before jumping to a bilingual dictionary or your favorite AI translator, which by the way may give “límite” as its translation for borderline, is to find out what the whole phrase means, in English!

“It is called 'borderline' because doctors previously thought that it was on the border between two different disorders: neurosis and psychosis. But these terms are no longer used to describe mental illness. It is sometimes called emotionally unstable personality disorder (EUPD).”

The second step is going to Spanish only sources and finding out what the type of illness described is called in a Spanish speaking context. Whatever you come up with, back translate it into English and see if it makes sense.

In other words, rather than a bilingual source, use Spanish and English sources to ascertain the best way to render “borderline personality disorder.” Email me your translation for: “The psychologist claims Amber Heard suffers from borderline personality disorder.”

Winners will be announced on May 20 at the Español Cubano en Context webinar. RSVP for registration, Zoom invite, and free $40 book. josevarelaibarra@gmail.com

0 comments

Are you prepared now? Only 12 days left.

Beware of TOADS and other cybercrimes

Discount Code Correction for Cybercrime Seminar

⭐ Enrollment is Now Open for ‘Mastering Cybercrime Terminology’

Español al día, Vol 3, No 3 llega en abril

See all posts from Jose L. Varela-Ibarra