WeChat in Racism Storm, Translates 'Black Foreigner' into N-Word

By That's, October 11, 2017

5 0

UPDATE (October 11, 2017 at 10.45pm CST): WeChat have since removed the offensive translation and apologized, telling Sixth Tone: “We’re very sorry for the inappropriate translation. After receiving users’ feedback, we immediately fixed the problem.” Read more here.

WeChat is facing backlash over its translation software.

Recently, users discovered that the software translates "黑老外" ("hei laowai" or "black foreigner") to the N-word, a deeply offensive racial epithet. 

The inappropriate translation was first brought to our attention by local Shanghai theater producer Ann James, who posted about it on WeChat Moments earlier today.

WeChat Translation

We tested out the translation in the iOS app for Apple devices and found that it indeed produced the N-word, albeit sporadically. In some cases the phrase simply translated to "foreigner" or "black foreigner." But in other cases, in particular when combined with a negative adjective (see below, right), the phrase translated to the N-word.

N-word translation on WeChat

Translation tests revealed different software providers depending on the context of the phrase in use. If the phrase was sent via Chat or Moments and produced a neutral translation, WeChat in most cases revealed that the translation was provided by Microsoft Translator:

N-Word translation WeChat

But if the phrases we tested were translated into the N-word, no official translator was named:

N-Word translation WeChat

Many larger platforms such as WeChat, Twitter, Yelp, Trip Advisor and Foursquare use the Microsoft Translator API for quick, multi-language translations of user generated content. 

When we tested translations on both Bing Translator and Microsoft's Neural Machine Translation system, however, we didn't get the same results as we did on WeChat. The same phrases that turned out more negative translations on WeChat instead automatically generated neutral versions on Microsoft:

Microsoft Translator

It's unclear where exactly WeChat's controversial independent translations came from. That's has reached out to WeChat for further clarification.

The messaging app has over 900 million monthly active users.

more news

Cathay Pacific Launches 'Chinese Cultural Education Program'

The aim is to provide better service to mainland passengers

FREE! Fujian Coffee: The Coastal Jewel of Chinese Coffee Culture

A tea region is now stepping into the coffee spotlight!

Love is in the Air! Where to Celebrate 520 in Guangzhou

Your love is better than ice cream!

Join CSL Champions Shanghai Port's Bats Fan Club

Chinese Super League season kicks off this Friday.

We Are Open! Places to Visit in Guangzhou Over CNY...

See if your favorite places are open during the Chinese New Year holiday!

We Are Open! Places to Visit in Shenzhen Over CNY...

See if your favorite places are open during the Chinese New Year holiday!

0 User Comments

In Case You Missed It…

We're on WeChat!

Scan our QR Code at right or follow us at thatsonline for events, guides, giveaways and much more!

7 Days in China With thatsmags.com

Weekly updates to your email inbox every Wednesday

Download previous issues

Never miss an issue of That's Magazines!

Visit the archives