Obstacles in legal translation and how to solve them Translation, as we all know, is the process of converting texts, articles, books, and so on from one language to another while successfully conveying the same ideas and feelings that the original author intended to communicate. Translation can also come in many different forms and sizes. There’s medical, technical, media, and literary translation, among many other distinct types. However, one form of translation truly stands out from the others by a significant margin: legal translation.
The term “legal translation” refers to the translation of any text used within the legal system, such as documents used for legal purposes that often need to be submitted in the official language of the relevant judicial authority. The term can encompass a wide range of texts, including, but not limited to, witness statements, legal judgments, precedents, patent applications, minutes, official reports, financial documents, and identity documents.
What is Legal Translation?
Partnership agreements between two foreign companies and the leasing of property or equipment are what many legal translators deal with constantly.
Legal translators interact with lawyers, judges, and even clients who cannot communicate with their lawyers because they don’t speak the same language in which all the cases a legal translator has previously handled were conducted.
Therefore, if you thought dealing with clients with complex tasks was daunting, you should obtain a legal translation. Translation in the legal field can be culturally specific, making it difficult to translate. Also, just one slip-up can lead to a lawsuit being dismissed or even you being sued. However, despite these difficulties, legal translation isn’t as intimidating as it appears once you get used to it.
This is especially true when you know how to solve the common difficulties that legal translators face in their field.
Difficulties Faced by Legal Translators:
- Varying Terminology Between Languages
Legal terminology between the source and target languages typically varies widely, and this is the most prominent problem legal translators face.
How to overcome it: Read legal texts yourself in both the source and target languages; you’ll find that much of it is repetitive.
Another thing you should focus on is continuous questioning! Yes, if you know someone who speaks the language you’re translating into, they might be able to help you.
The same applies if you’re not entirely sure about a specific term in your native language.
- Diverse Legal Methods Used in Each Language
Every country has its own legal system and, consequently, its own style of writing legal documents and contracts. Simply translating legal terms won’t compensate for the absence of a specific legal style; therefore, sentence structure plays a vital role here.
How to solve the problem: As you read in the previous paragraph, read various legal texts and contracts. Another useful tip: if you have some time – open a law book from that country and start reading it quickly, or at least read it to get an idea of the type of legal methods used there.
- Diverse Cultures
Just because you found a translation for a specific legal term in one language doesn’t mean you can use it in all contracts published in all countries that speak that language.
If we take the Arabic language, for example, when one Arabic-speaking country uses a certain “date format” in legal texts, it doesn’t mean you can go and use it in another contract for a different Arabic-speaking country.
How to solve the problem: Be precise and clear about the country of the client you are translating for, and be sure that the country’s law reflects its culture.
Therefore, ensure you are knowledgeable about the cultural norms and traditions in that country. Even if two countries speak the same language, it doesn’t mean they share the exact same culture. Some might be similar, while others might be completely different.
Legal translation can be a challenging profession to pursue, but as you start translating more and gain experience, you’ll actually begin to realize that most contracts follow the same structure. Don’t despair; every great profession has its own set of complexities and difficulties. So, do what you love and don’t worry about anything!
