Context: During a visit to Poland in 1977, U.S. President Jimmy Carter delivered a speech meant to foster goodwill between the U.S. and Poland. However, the interpreter assigned to Carter, Steven Seymour, made a series of crucial mistakes while translating the speech into Polish.
Translation Error: The interpreter translated Carter’s statement, “I left the United States this morning,” into “I left the United States, never to return.” In another part, Carter’s intent to understand Poland’s future was mistranslated into, “I desire the Poles carnally.”
Outcome: Although the errors caused embarrassment rather than disaster, they significantly impacted Carter’s visit. His goodwill message was overshadowed by awkward laughter and confusion. The interpreter was replaced, but the incident became a lasting example of how poor translation can undermine diplomacy.
