ASSIGNMENT

I Read the article, "Cultural Blunders: Brand's Gone Wrong"

2 Answer the following.

1. What are examples of cultural blunders,

- Several brands have made significant cultural mistakes when entering foreign markets.
For example, Gerber used the same packaging in Africa as in the USA, not realizing that in
Africa, labels often depict the contents due to literacy issues. Coca-Cola's initial name in China
translated to "Bite the Wax Tadpole". Vicks and Puffs faced pronunciation and translation issues
in Germany, leading to inappropriate meanings. Pepsi's slogan in China was misinterpreted as
reviving ancestors, and Schweppes Tonic Water was translated into "Toilet Water" in Italy.
Parker Pen's ad in Mexico mistakenly used a word that changed their message to imply the pen
could impregnate users.

2. What do you think are the causes of these blunders.

- Cultural blunders can have a significant impact on brand performance and reputation. It
is crucial for producers to conduct thorough research on the culture and ethnicity of a nation
before launching advertisements. These blunders can lead to misunderstandings and negative
feedback from viewers, especially for internationally recognized brands. Incorrect translations or
offensive meanings can harm a brand's image and result in low ratings and business failures.
Lack of research can also lead to false advertising and consumer mistrust. Ultimately, these
issues can cause market failure and damage a business.

3. How do you think, blunders affect communication?

- unders in communication, such as incorrect translations and lack of research on
diversity, can hinder international brand launches. Cultural differences must be taken into
account to avoid miscommunication and production issues. Proper translation is crucial,
especially for global launches, as words that are acceptable in one country may be
inappropriate in another.

9. What are the ways to aubid these blunders?

- It is important to be cautious when sharing details publicly, as they can have
consequences for individuals and even entire nations. Accurate research on word translations is
crucial to avoid misunderstandings and miscommunications between sender and receiver.
Understanding the culture of the audience is essential before creating advertisements,
campaigns, and promotions to prevent misleading messages. Producers should value
communication diversity, especially when targeting a global audience, and consider the potential
consequences of any blunders.