What do we lose from a text when it is translated?

Translating a document has become as easy as copying the URL and pasting it onto a translator online, like Google or Bing. Although governments use translators or interpreters while speaking, for example in the USA there are 63,600 translators or interpreters in 2012. 

 [http://www.bls.gov/ooh/media-and-communication/interpreters-and-translators.htm]. It is a high value job, and it is very important not make any mistakes as it could have dire consequences. It could lead to wars if a country’s translator said a phrase that would be normal in their own country, but it is taken in a different way in another country. This is where the problems of translation lie.

Misinterpretation was suggested as a significant problem. A message may lose its effect. For example, comedy in English when translated to French. Also cultural meanings where word context and connotation can be misinterpreted due to cultural differences. Word in one language, phrase in another language.

A very interesting news article I read talked about this issue. A man received $71 million dollars as doctors misinterpreted the word ‘intoxicado’ in Spanish and translation was provided by a bilingual staff member who translated "intoxicado" as "intoxicated." A professional interpreter would have known that "intoxicado" is closer to "poisoned". He was actually suffering from an intracerebral haemorrhage, but the doctors proceeded as if he were suffering from an intentional drug overdose, which displayed similar symptoms. He went on to sue the hospital for malpractice after he became quadriplegic. He received a malpractice settlement of $71 million. 

[http://mentalfloss.com/article/48795/9-little-translation-mistakes-caused-big-problems]

Overall, I feel like interpreters have to be spot on if the gist/meaning of a phrase should be shared. They should follow the criteria for translation and should not guess. They should seek expert opinion if the translation is key to finding out an ailment or something related to medicine.

 https://www.pinterest.com/pin/80361174571043121/

Here is a humorous example of how a simple translation error can be very wrong.