Although the terms “legal translation” and “legalese translation” are often used interchangeably, they refer to distinct types of work. Misunderstanding these terms can lead to confusion, especially when the quality of a translation impacts an official, legal, or academic matter.
This article explores the differences between legal and legalese translations, explains the requirements for each, and indicates which type of translator is best suited for each task.
Table of Contents
What Are Legalese Translations?
Legalese translations involve texts that analyze or discuss legal matters. These typically include academic publications, expert articles, commentaries on legislation, educational materials, and guides written by legal professionals. While such texts are not official documents, they require fluency in specialized legal language, familiarity with the legal context, and the ability to interpret content.
A legalese translator should be well-versed in the legal systems of both the source and target countries. It is also essential to tailor the language to the specific target audience.
What Are Legal Translations?
Legal translations refer to documents that carry legal weight and are used in administrative or judicial proceedings. These include notarial deeds, court rulings, powers of attorney, contracts, civil status records, certificates, and administrative decisions. Such documents are usually translated by a sworn translator, who certifies the translation so that it can be submitted to a court or public authority.
There is no room for interpretation in legal translations. Absolute accuracy in both substance and form is essential. Any mistake may lead to legal consequences, which is why only a qualified specialist should manage such assignments.
Legal Texts vs. Legalese Texts
Legal texts are sources of law or documents with direct application in legal practice. These include statutes, regulations, administrative decisions, court rulings, and notarial deeds. Translating them requires exceptional precision because even a single word change can alter the meaning of a legal provision.
Legalese texts are analytical or educational. They explain laws, provide commentary, offer interpretations, or present research in the field of law. Translating such content means conveying the intended meaning and maintaining stylistic consistency.
Distinguishing between legal and legalese texts allows for selecting the right translator and prevents rejection due to formal or substantive issues.
Legal Language vs. Legalese Language
Legal language is the language of legal provisions. It is defined by precision, formality, and unambiguity. Every phrase has a specific function and meaning, so the translation must adhere strictly to the original wording and structure.
Professionals use legalese language to describe and work with legal concepts. It is more flexible, allows for nuanced phrasing, but still requires accuracy and mastery of terminology. Translating legalese requires understanding the context, communication goals, and the intended audience.
Both forms demand high-level expertise from the translator. Understanding the difference between them is critical to producing effective translations.
Requirements for Translating Legal and Legalese Texts
A translator working with legal content must combine linguistic skills with subject-matter expertise. Fluency in a foreign language alone is not enough. A strong grasp of legal systems, terminology, and document types is essential.
Sworn translators must complete certified legal translations. These professionals hold credentials issued by the Ministry of Justice, and their stamp and signature give the translated document official legal standing.
Legalese translations do not require certification, but experience and specialization are key. The translator must understand the context, use appropriate terminology, and faithfully convey the complexity of the original text.
Who Should Translate Legal or Legalese Documents?
The safest option is to entrust legal or legalese translations to professionals with experience in this field and a proven track record of delivering high-quality work. A specialized translation agency that collaborates with sworn translators and subject-matter experts is a smart choice.
Before commissioning a translation, it is important to determine whether the document is intended for submission to a court or public authority, whether certification is required, which legal system it pertains to, and what the purpose of the translation is.
A professional agency will ask these questions, recommend the right service, and ensure the translation is both linguistically accurate and legally sound.
Summary
The distinction between legal and legalese translations is essential for ensuring quality, purpose, and effectiveness. Selecting the right translation and professionals ensures that a document will be accepted by the appropriate authority. It is worth seeking support from experts who understand these differences and can recommend the best solution for your specific case.
If you need a legal or legalese document translated, contact MT Translation Agency and entrust your text to experienced professionals.