Translating documents is an exact science; it involves more than simply changing words from one language to another. It comprises of specialist knowledge of cultures, geographical locations, awareness of beliefs and philosophies, and, in the case of legal translation, an expertise in the law of two or more countries.
Being adept, or even an expert, in foreign languages is not enough to be a professional legal translator.
Professional translators of legal documents face extreme trials when assigned tasks of a legal nature due to the extraordinary need for accuracy. The smallest error in translations can have serious consequences when working within legal systems.
Legal Translation Complications
Law and legal terminology is notoriously complex and difficult to understand – this is why we have lawyers! Working within two legal systems requires specialist knowledge of both systems, languages, and legal document formats.
Each country has a legal system that is unique unto itself; they were created to fit within the society for which they were devised, reflecting historical, cultural, linguistic, and evolving legal structures that are in place within each nation.
The difficulty for translators of legal documents resides within the varying laws of each country. It is necessary to reproduce an original text in an equivalent law system where terminology, and the actual law itself, may vary greatly.
Legal Terminology Parallels
As mentioned above, one of the main difficulties facing legal translators is the variance in law from one place to another. The translation team must frequently find parallel laws and terminology in both the source language (and country), and also the target language. Both legal systems must be compared to find equivalent terminology.
Law and Cultural Difference
Each country has developed its legal system based on particulars that are relevant to that culture. It is an outward expression of its heritage, but it is communicated through language and legal terminology.
The translator must transcend cultural barriers between the original language and the target language to give the best translation possible.
Legal Language
Legal language is complex, protracted, and requires absolute accuracy. Each language has its own unique style, determined by the country of origin, and translators must be accustomed to these variances.
Levels of Legal Disparities
Language alters from place to place, and even countries that have common histories, for example, France and the UK, can have widely differing language structures, word meanings, and legal systems.
The level of difficulty in translating legal documents depends upon similarities and disparities within the languages that require translation. For example:
Legal systems in two countries with related languages may give an easier translation process, however, legal systems in two completely unrelated countries, with limited similarities in language, would create a difficult task for the translation team.
Choosing a professional translation service provider that specialises in legal documents is often a necessity when translating legal information. Don’t assume that because they are proficient translators they can easily translate legal terminology, and check for legitimately certified translations as they are likely to be required by law.
