5 most common mistakes in legal translation
In the complex world of legal translation, precision is paramount. Legal documents carry the weight of legal consequences, and any misstep in translation can lead to serious ramifications.
Legal translation is a highly specialised form of translation that requires an in-depth understanding, not only of the languages involved but also of the legal systems and cultures they represent. Any ambiguity or error in translation can have far-reaching consequences, making it crucial to recognise and address common mistakes.
This article delves into the five most common mistakes in legal translation, shedding light on the challenges that translators face in this specialised field.
AI translation endangers U.S. Immigration processing
“The machines themselves are not operating with even a fraction of the quality they need to be able to do case work that’s acceptable for someone in a high-stakes situation.”
- Ariel Koren (former Google Translate employee)
In an article titled “AI’s ‘insane’ translation mistakes endanger U.S. asylum cases”, The Japan Times reports that names translated as months of the year, incorrect time frames and mixed-up pronouns are some of the everyday failings of AI-driven translation apps, which are wreaking havoc in the U.S. asylum system.
Ariel Koren, founder of Respond Crisis Translation, a global collective that has translated more than 13,000 asylum applications, warns that errors can lead to unfounded denials.
The article mentions that in one case attorneys missed a crucial detail in a woman’s account of domestic abuse because the translation app they were using kept breaking down, and they ran out of time.
5 common mistakes
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Misinterpreting legal terminology
Legal documents are replete with specific and often complex terminology. Translators must possess a deep understanding of the legal systems in both the source and target languages to accurately convey the intended meaning. Misinterpreting legal terms can lead to misunderstandings, disputes, or even legal complications.
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Ignoring jurisdictional nuances
Legal systems vary significantly from one jurisdiction to another. A term or concept that holds a specific meaning in one legal context might have a different interpretation elsewhere. Translators must be vigilant about jurisdictional nuances, ensuring that the translated document aligns with the legal standards of the target jurisdiction.
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Failure to preserve legal tone and style
Legal documents often have a distinct tone and style that convey deontic modality and precision. Failing to preserve this tone in translation can lead to miscommunication or, in some cases, the loss of legal validity. Translators must not only translate words but also capture the formal and deontic style inherent in legal documents.
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Incomplete or inaccurate translations
Legal documents are meticulous in their detail, and omitting or inaccurately translating even a single word can alter the meaning. Translators must be thorough in their work, paying attention to every nuance and detail to prevent errors that could compromise the integrity of the document.
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Thinking about translation as a last resort
In order to get the best work out of the chosen translators, clients should plan and discuss all projects with the project management team first. This ensures that the key business or brand terminology is consistently used in the translated documents and that there are no translation errors.
As legal matters transcend borders, the role of skilled human translators remains indispensable, offering a level of precision and comprehension that automated solutions and amateur workers cannot match.
If you are in need of a legal translated product, reach out to Traductanet! We would be happy to help – ask for a quote today!
