Case Study: Cultural Adaptation in Translation Projects

Overview

Sylaba Translations partnered with a peak cancer organisation in Australia to support the translation of health information for migrant and refugee communities. The project focused on adapting cancer prevention fact sheets into nine languages to improve clarity and cultural relevance across diverse audiences. The aim was to share accurate information while respecting cultural beliefs and supporting informed decision-making.

Challenge

Health information can lose meaning or impact when cultural context is overlooked. During early scoping, it became clear that certain cancer-related concepts carried strong cultural sensitivities within different communities. Without careful adaptation, there was a risk that the translated materials could confuse readers or reinforce existing misconceptions.

Solution

Sylaba Translations began the project with community consultations to understand how cancer was viewed across different cultural groups. These discussions highlighted barriers to awareness and revealed beliefs that could affect how information was received. Insights gathered during consultation guided how messages were adjusted to speak clearly and respectfully to each audience.

Within Arabic and Indian communities, there was concern that cancer could be contagious. In parts of the Greek community, cancer was viewed as incurable. To address these beliefs directly, the translated materials included clear explanations that cancer cannot be passed between people and that treatment and prevention options are available. These adaptations helped reduce fear, improve understanding, and keep the information accurate and culturally appropriate.

Through careful cultural adaptation, the translated fact sheets became more than direct translations. They became resources that communities could trust and engage with, supporting better awareness of cancer prevention across Australia.