¾«Æ·¹ú²ú×ÔÏßÎçÒ¹¸£Àû

The work of legal translators is an important and growing area in Ireland. Proficiency in a foreign language or even bilingualism is not sufficient to be a competent translator. Apart from excellent linguistic skills, a translator needs an in-depth knowledge of the legal and judicial systems and terminology with which they are working. Furthermore, the legal translator in Ireland must know how to deal with the frequent lack of equivalence between the common and civil law traditions.

A non-regulated profession

While translation is a non-regulated profession worldwide, many countries in continental Europe (including Germany, France, Poland and Croatia) have a system of minimum requirements and examinations for translators.

In Ireland, anyone who wishes to work as a translator, even a legal translator, may do so, regardless of whether they have a qualification in translation or know anything about translation. Given this lack of a State accreditation system, and the growing need for certified translations and legal translators in Ireland, the (ITIA) has introduced a professional qualification: ‘ITIA Certified Translator’.

Driving standards and best practice

Writing in the Gazette, ITIA executive committee member Dr Annette Schiller discusses the current state of legal translation in Ireland – and offers best-practice advice for solicitors.

• Read the full article in the May 2017 Gazette

Archive & subscribe

For current and past issues of the magazine, visit the online Gazette.

To have future issues delivered to your home or office, subscribe today.