Mots Maudits #11: Le Partage

How many translators does it take to screw in a light bulb? It depends on the context….

Translating "partage" as "sharing" might seem to be a fairly simple and uncontroversial word choice. But, as usual in translation, it depends on the context.

The notion of "partage" comes up fairly regularly when translating copy for food industry customers.

In this context , rather than simply expressing the idea of "sharing a meal", “le partage” is often used as a shorthand for notions of shared heritage, tradition, family values, cooking know-how, and family, or to evoke the feeling of a homely meal in a warm atmosphere.

“Le partage” is also quite commonly used on its own as a corporate value (“le partage est dans nos gènes”, “Le partage est notre richesse”). The noun “sharing” may be appropriate here, but in English we would qualify it. Without qualification, “sharing” brings to mind the division of resources, whereas in French it is widely used to refer to communication, empathy, and shared experiences, or knowledge — and the right meaning must be inferred from the context.

A text for a restaurant, therefore, would probably not be intended to convey the same idea as university brochure, where "le partage" may refer to imparting knowledge. Likewise, in the context of a family business, "le partage" may imply the notion of passing on traditions. When talking about the value of a 12-step programme, a feedback meeting, or a job fair, "le partage" would likely be about the value of sharing experiences (albeit for vastly different reasons). It is important to really understand and specify what is being shared, otherwise it will sound hopelessly vague to an English ear.