Language barriers in translation of local expressions in the English language.

Communication in the English language is a skill that tourism professionals need to master in order to avoid language barriers and potential misunderstandings, as well as to communicate successfully with their guests. Tourism professionals encounter different language barriers when translating local expressions into English. For example, there are numerous local expressions that cannot be translated into English literally, especially those referring to the dialectal speech of the Split area called cakavstina , which is included in the cultural heritage and represents an intangible cultural heritage. Cultural and historical heritage are important to maintain tradition and preserve the authenticity of the area, therefore the translation of vocabulary describing them should be approached carefully in order to maintain the spirit and history they represent. This paper deals with precisely those local expressions since they are used in everyday speech in the city of Split, with particular emphasis on terms often used by tourism professionals such as tour guides and expressions which are part of the intangible heritage. Such words and expressions often cause problems when directly translated into English, therefore this paper firstly presents their meaning in the standard Croatian language. Then, it points to the language barriers that appear when translating these local expressions, and finally offers an optimal translation into English. Words and expressions used in description of the local sights of the city of Split were selected, as well as translations of local gastronomic expressions and the names of traditional dishes and groceries. Some improvements in translation can leave a completely different impression on foreign guests and make a big difference. Therefore, the paper also examines methods of teaching English to college students and future tourism professionals.