With businesses spreading all over the world, one major barrier faced by them is that of language. For corporates to do business together, translations are required from and in to various languages. So, if you also are looking for a translation service, then read on to know, what must be their basic requirements.
A translation agency provides all kinds of translation- be it legal, technical or business translation. Of these one service is perhaps the most essential to business- legal translation. This may include- translating contracts and related documents, legal correspondence, certificates, and patent related documentation. When you go looking for a translation service agency, then you may have these things in your mind-
* Timely Delivery
* Accuracy
* Cost
No, doubt, these three are essential requirements of a legal translation service, but there is a lot more to the standards required from them, when it comes to legal translation. Basically because legal terms have to be interpreted in a specific way. There must not be any room for error or misinterpretation- in which case, the parties concerned may face severe complications. So here is a revised list of requirements that a legal translation must meet:
1. Accuracy: A legal translation service has to be accurate and make the 100% accurate. They must give their complete attention to detail during the translation process. While translating, attention has to be paid to every word chosen, so that it does not alter the meaning even slightly. Legal language is very formal, and so must be the tone of the translated document. For error free translation, proofreading documents before delivery is absolutely necessary. A single word, comma or punctuation mark can change the meaning of the legal phrase. Hence accuracy standards must be very high.
2. Knowledge of legal terminology: It has often been said that legal translations can be done best only by those who have a first hand experience in legal matters and issues. However, if not a prior experience, then a clear understanding of the legal terminology is required. Major terms related to Corporate law, International law, civil law, property law, tax and accounting law, patent law and etc. Only then will they be able to understand the documentation better, and work on it accordingly, so that armed with their knowledge, they do not commit any errors.
3. Awareness and knowledge of the legal systems of countries of both the languages: This is a requirement, that people often overlook- for translating a French Legal Document to UK English, simply knowing the legal system of Britain won't do, knowing and understanding French laws is equally essential. Because the translation here is not just from one language to another, but also from one legal system into another. Apart from that an understanding of the cultures and lifestyles of both the languages is necessary. Legal terminology of every country differs, and that is why a legal translator must be trained to understand both the legal systems.
4. Confidentiality: This the prime requirement from a translation service- they must be discreet about the translations they have completed for a client. Legal documents contain sensitive data, and that is why strict confidentiality is required from a legal firm. If a translation firm offers a non-disclosure agreement, then it is very serious on the issues of confidentiality.
5. Timely delivery: Most legal documents are required to take forward ventures, mergers, or court cases. That is why it is very important to stick to the deadlines seriously. Deadlines must be set, leaving sufficient time for proof reading and accuracy checks, so that the delivery can be on time.
Now the cost. Well this is a matter that you can sort out on the basis of the performance of the company in the points mentioned below. The better the services, the more you will have to pay. These are the requirements from legal translation services that must be met, before you sign the company up. So that you get your documentation on time and error free!
The writer is a consultant with Translink Company, and provides expert tips on legal and technical translation services.
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