In this blog post, we'll discuss the key differences between a legal and certified translation. A legal translation is the translation of legal documents such as contracts, statutes, case law, and other judicial documents. Certified translations, on the other hand, are translations of non-legal documents that have been verified and sworn by a translator whom the authorities have approved.
Note: Valid translation is the synonym of legal translation.
Defining Legal Translation
Legal translation refers to translating legal documents, such as contracts, court documents, or legal correspondence, from one language to another. This type of translation requires linguistic skills and a deep understanding of legal terminology and concepts.
A legal translator must accurately convey the meaning and intent of the original document while ensuring that it is culturally appropriate and adheres to the legal systems of both the source and target languages. Valid translation aims to provide an accurate and reliable translation that can be used for lawful purposes.
Defining Certified Translation
Certified translation refers to a translation verified and attested by an accredited translator. This type of translation is often required for official purposes, such as immigration documents, academic transcripts, or legal proceedings. A certified translator is authorized by a recognized translation organization or government body to provide accurate and reliable translations.
The certification typically includes a statement affirming the accuracy of the translation and the translator's qualifications. A certified translator aims to ensure that the translated document is legally recognized and accepted as an official and accurate representation of the original text.
Differences Between Legal and Certified Translations
Legal and certified translation may sound similar, but the two have some key differences.
- While valid translation focuses on accurately translating legal documents and ensuring cultural appropriateness, certified translation involves verifying and attesting to the translation by a certified translator.
- In other words, valid translation refers to the content being translated, while certifiable translation refers to the verification process. Suppose you need a translation for lawful purposes. In that case, you may need both a legal and certifiable translation to ensure accuracy and recognition.
Why it Matters: When to Use a Legal VS Certified Translation
Legal and certified translations serve different purposes, and it's essential to understand when to use each type.
Legal translation is necessary when translating legal documents, such as contracts, court documents, or legal correspondence, from one language to another. These translations require linguistic skills and a deep understanding of legal terminology and concepts. Legal translation ensures that the meaning and intent of the original document are accurately conveyed while adhering to the legal systems of both the source and target languages.
Certified translation is essential when an official or authorized translation is required. This could include immigration documents, academic transcripts, or legal proceedings. A translation is verified and attested to by an accredited translator, ensuring the translated document is accurate and accepted as an official representation of the original text.
Certification typically involves a statement affirming the translator's qualifications and the accuracy of the translation.
A certifiable translation is often necessary for legal proceedings or official use to ensure legal recognition. However, in other cases where accuracy is vital but legal recognition may not be required, a valid translation without certification may be sufficient.
Finding the Right Professional for Your Translation Needs
Finding the right professional for your translation needs is crucial to ensure accurate and reliable translations, especially regarding legal translation. When looking for a legal translator, it is essential to consider their expertise in both the legal field and the languages involved.
A professional legal translator should have a deep understanding of legal terminology, concepts, and cultural nuances to convey the meaning and intent of the original document accurately. They should also have experience in the specific type of valid translation you require, whether it be contracts, court documents, or legal correspondence.
It is also essential to choose a translator certified or accredited by a recognized translation organization or government body. Certification assures the translator's qualifications and commitment to producing accurate translations. Look for translators who have obtained relevant certifications, such as a certified translator in the specific language pair or a legal translator certification.
When selecting a legal translator, it is advisable to review their portfolio or ask for sample translations to assess their quality of work. Consider their availability, turnaround time, and pricing. Feel free to ask for references or testimonials from previous clients to understand their expertise and professionalism better.
If you want to translate your legal documents, such as contracts, court documents, or legal correspondence, from one language to another, consider investing in legal translation.
