Legal translation is an extremely important field in today’s globalized world, where business transactions, litigation, and international relations require clear and concise communication between different legal systems and languages. However, the task is far from simple. Read on to discover some of the key challenges of legal translation:
Terminological equivalence
Achieving terminological equivalence is a major challenge because many legal terms have specific meanings and cannot be translated literally. Some of the most difficult terms to translate are “trust,” “equity,” “tort,” and “plea bargain”. These terms often involve concepts that do not have a direct translation in the target language, requiring a deep knowledge of legal terminology and a great deal of skill to find translations that maintain the integrity and accuracy of the original
Cultural and legal context
In addition to terminological equivalence, the cultural and legal context plays an important role in legal translation. Different countries have different legal norms, values and practices that need to be considered. A term or phrase that is common and understandable in one context may be completely unfamiliar or have different connotations in another. For example, the interpretation of contracts can vary significantly from one jurisdiction.
Technical jargon and formal style
Legal language is notoriously technical and formal. Translating legal documents requires rigorous accuracy and a deep understanding of the technical language. The translator must be able to maintain the formal style and technical terminology of the original document, while ensuring that the translation is equally valid and respects the legal standards of the target country.
Updating and continuing education
Law is a constantly evolving field, with new laws, regulations and interpretations appearing on a regular basis. As a result, legal translators need to stay abreast of changes in legal systems and terminology specific to their field. This requires an ongoing commitment to training and professional development.
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