- Famous Mistranslations: “Let Them Eat Cake!”
- Famous Mistranslations: The “Let Them Eat Cake” of the East
Just as the West has its infamous mistranslation of Marie Antoinette’s “Let them eat cake”, the East too has seen its fair share of blunders. One such case that stands out in modern history is the famous mistranslation of Premier Zhou Enlai’s remarks during Richard Nixon’s historic visit to China in 1972. Widely believed to have commented on the ramifications of the French Revolution, it later emerged that Zhou’s words were grossly taken out of context, leading to misinterpretations that persisted for decades. This article delves deep into the mistranslation, its origins, implications, and eventual debunking.
Background: Nixon’s Visit to China
The historical context plays a significant role in understanding the origins of the mistranslation. In 1972, US President Richard Nixon made a groundbreaking visit to the People’s Republic of China, marking the first time a U.S. president had traveled to the communist nation since its founding in 1949. The event was instrumental in paving the way for the normalization of Sino-American relations.
During the visit, a series of discussions took place between American and Chinese officials. One such exchange between Premier Zhou Enlai and Henry Kissinger, Nixon’s National Security Advisor, led to the now infamous mistranslation.
The Mistranslation
The common narrative was that during a conversation about global politics, Kissinger asked Zhou for his thoughts on the impact of the French Revolution. Zhou reportedly replied, “It’s too early to say.” This response was hailed by many as an exemplification of the Chinese long-term perspective on history, implying that even events hundreds of years in the past were still playing out.
The world marveled at the depth and patience of Chinese wisdom, contrasting it with the West’s often shortsighted view on historical events. The quote became a mainstay in diplomatic circles and academic discussions, routinely cited to emphasize the profound insight of Chinese leadership.
The Reality
However, this interpretation was based on a grave mistranslation. In actuality, the conversation was not about the French Revolution of the 18th century. Instead, Zhou was answering a question about the political upheavals in France in 1968. Given that these events occurred just a few years prior to the conversation in 1972, Zhou’s statement that “it’s too early to say” made perfect sense.
How did such a glaring mistake come about? The mix-up likely stems from the ambiguous nature of the Chinese language where the term used for “revolution” can refer to many incidents, and without proper context, it’s easy to misconstrue the reference. Moreover, interpreters and reporters, in their quest to draw profound interpretations, may have leapt at the opportunity to paint a picture of Chinese leaders as deeply philosophical beings, pondering events from centuries ago.
Implications of the Mistranslation
The misquote played into several stereotypes about China:
- The Wisdom Stereotype: It presented the Chinese leadership as taking an extraordinarily long view of history, suggesting they contemplate events over centuries, not mere decades.
- The East vs. West Paradigm: By showcasing China’s allegedly patient and deep perspective, it created a dichotomy between the ‘hasty’ Western approach and the ‘reflective’ Eastern one.
In academic and political circles, the misquote was frequently brought up to emphasize the supposed difference in approach between Chinese and Western leadership. This not only skewed interpretations but also influenced decision-making and strategies in dealing with China.
Debunking the Myth
The truth behind the mistranslation came to light years later, in part due to the efforts of scholars, historians, and journalists who dug into the original context of the conversation. As the real story emerged, it not only altered the perception of Zhou’s statement but also highlighted the dangers of relying on translations without understanding the broader context.
Conclusion
The “It’s too early to say” misquote underscores the importance of accurate translation and interpretation in global diplomacy. A single mistranslation can persist for decades, coloring perceptions and shaping policies. It’s a powerful reminder that, in an interconnected world, words matter – and their meanings, even more so.
