Law is a culture-dependent subject field wherein usage of legal translation is needed. As the world widened its borders to other countries and businesses began leveraging, the demand for legal translation proliferated. Due to diverse legal systems in different cities and states, it makes legal translation extremely complicated.
Some countries have a clear division between state and religious law. However, there are countries with vague laws, where there is no clear division between the two.
Things You Need to Know About Legal Translation
Legal translation is used in a wide range of documents such as wills, litigation papers, financial records, property documents, transcripts, patents, witness statements, court translation, and legal rulings. Legal texts have a specific and diverse set of terms, you can only learn by attending law schools. But even if you do this, you can’t handle the law of every country without knowing their language, laws and everything that follows. Cultural and regional differences affect the difficulty of legal translation.
Since businesses are continuously growing, adaptation in culture and legalities is a must. In order to be successful in overseas or multilingual business transactions, companies and enterprises need the help of translation service providers. The matter is not ass simple as standard translation that can be done by anyone knowing two languages. Here are some things you should know about legal translation:
Legal Translation Rules Vary by Country
Each country has a different set of rules. For instance, Morocco has a legal system that is a combination of French and Islamic law. Legal translators are required to have a legal translation degree to provide an accurate and precise translation and interpretation of laws.
-
Legal Translators Rely on References
People in this niche need to be of the type that is continually improving and learning. The work on hands demands it. Legal translators need to use all the material available, both that’s already in use and every new piece that comes up containing laws changes. The constant learning and improvement genuinely aid them in their work. Anyone who starts practicing this type of translating needs to have access and study legal codes, amendments, regulations, and other similar papers.
Once they are on the route of being professionals in what they do, translators need to have their eyes set on every type of law in existence, both in the country from where they are and their language, but at the same time to the state of their employer and laws and language there. By studying both sides, they can, with more ease, understand both old and new concepts established in the regulation of a particular language.
At all times during the translation, the translators need to be absolutely sure that they are using the correct terms and in a proper way so that both documents would be a faithful copy to each other.
-
Machine or Computer Program Translation is Not That Accurate
Since we are now in a digital age, we can now make use of machines and computer programs to translate texts into another language. However, it is a struggle to translate idioms, nuances, and expressions. It still has a long way to go in translating accurately.
-
Legal Translators Protect You From Malpractice Suits
An inaccurate translation of your legal documents can undoubtedly hold you liable. A statutory malpractice law can be costly and damaging to your reputation.
Demands in Legal Translation
The demand for legal translators across global law firms is expanding due to the increased awareness of this role. More and more companies are exploring markets that involve large volumes of paperwork and business contracts needing legal translating expertise. Hence, competition in the industry has become even more fierce.
Especially for companies that are expanding their market globally, here are some reasons behind the rising demand in legal translation services:
- Legal translators such as translingua-translations.com can provide services accurately and legally with speed. They are trained in dealing swiftly with cases and contracts to avoid unnecessary delays.
- A legal translator is adaptable to changes that happen in business law. They are up-to-date with all the transitions and shifts in the regulations of their area of expertise.
- They are experts when it comes to legal terminology.
- They have a vast linguistic and legal diversity when it comes to business language nuances.
- They provide accurate translation in tone, meaning, and gravity.
With that, legal translation allows corporations to prepare effectively in every phase of business processes.
The Challenges of Translating Legal Documents
If you have read everything we wrote above, you certainly can no longer be fooled that translating legal documents is an easy task. These documents contain serious information that needs to be handled with professionalism and task as these are not a breeze, so to say. A duty of this magnitude requires many things combined, including language skills, knowledge of laws and legislation, and probably above all, the quickness and precision to finish the job of high importance in time. People who work in this niche do not come here unprepared. Most of them underwent specialized training to be where they are. Of course, in addition to what they learned through schooling, experience, and undoubtedly the talent for languages they posses, there are devices such as CAT Tools that can help them and make things easier.
When you find yourself in a situation that requires this type of service, be sure to hire people who have the experience to meet your demands. To be highly regarded in this niche, one needs to have the expertise to handle all tasks and requirements in time and on the employer’s order. People who have all of this also have certification to do the job they are paid to do. If you are hiring someone less known and experienced, be sure to check out if they have the needed papers to act accordingly.
Last but not least, you need to know if your legal translator is registered with the Ministry of Justice or appointed by a regional court with jurisdiction over the matter. If the one you are planning to hire does not have, you should not employ him to handle your papers. Ensuring the qualifications and legitimacy of your translator is paramount, and this is where a professional certified translation service becomes invaluable.