Consultation and language services for the expansion of businesses.
A brand for a company is like a reputation for a person.
You earn reputation by trying to do hard things well.
—Jeff Bezos
Let’s talk about brand language mistakes.
And no, this isn’t just a small business issue.
Even billion-dollar brands stumble when they treat translation as a task, not a strategy.
Take Pepsi.
Their slogan, “Come alive with the Pepsi Generation,” was meant to energize. But in Mandarin, it became “Pepsi brings your ancestors back from the grave.”
In a culture that honors ancestors, the message felt jarring.
KFC ran into a similar issue.
“Finger-lickin’ good” was translated in China as “Eat your fingers off.”
It wasn’t offensive. It confused customers.
Then there was Parker Pen.
They promised their pens wouldn’t cause embarrassment. But “embarrass” became “embarazada,” or “pregnant,” in Spanish.
The final line? “It won’t leak in your pocket and make you pregnant.”
Each example earned laughs in hindsight. But in the moment, they cost trust, time, and traction.
The root cause?
Translation without cultural adaptation.
When you expand into South America, direct translation isn’t enough.
Tone, humor, and phrasing must fit the context. Messaging that works in Miami may not work in Medellín.
Localization is a strategy – AKA: the right priorities.
At Language Global Solutions, we help brands show up with confidence and cultural fluency. That means adapting your voice, not just translating it. Using regional linguists. Testing in-market. And always asking, “How will this feel here?”
Because getting it right isn’t just smart.
It’s essential.
Has your next launch been culturally reviewed?
It could be the difference between connecting (and confusing).
Rody Correa Ávila is an entrepreneur, language consultant, and coach with over 40 years of experience.
Click on the WhatsApp icon below and let’s have a conversation to understand your needs for efficient communications solutions. No sales pitch! Just a free consultation call.
