The Oxford English Dictionary is seen as the benchmark for the English language, but in recent years it has seen the introduction of a number of terms and words that previously would be described as slang.

Therefore are we seeing the introduction of “slanglish”. What impact does this have on the future of translation and the localisation of English text?

A number of these new phrases and words have come from television commercials (Meerkats), reality shows (X Factor, Britain’s Got Talent, etc), which have no meaning in other regions or countries. However, these new found words are becoming used in common day to day language within the UK and are relied upon by the many  that are using them.

"Am I Bovvered?!" TV is fastly affecting how slang is incorporated into everyday use.

Therefore, before we start using source text for localisation, do companies need have content checked for “slanglish” terms and put into “normal” English?  If not, it could be compounded as some of these slanglish words actually have other meanings.

I could imagine that when trying to localise some of the following terms:

Simples; Subo; Mini-me; Threequel; and Bouncebackability (which is common parlance in football punditry nowadays); I am sure non-English equivalents are occurring, which must have a similar impact when translating into English.

In the industry we can see a possible large number of terms in glossaries or a move to business standard language.

Well, it’s either that or we turn to “slanglation”… (b-dum-tshh).

What do you think – do you think slang poses a threat to the future of translation?