Why Transcreation in Legal Translation is Important

It would seem that most legal translations are very straightforward.  Precision and accuracy are priorities, so it would seem a word-for-word translation from one language to another is best, but in reality, this is not always the case.  Translation, or the act of converting text from one language to another, is subject to many nuances that make accurate legal translation challenging.  Transcreation is one method professionals use to ensure the true meaning of a text is conveyed.

What is the difference between translation and transcreation?

Translation is simply the conversion of a text from one language (the SL or source language) to another (the TL or target language).  Legal translation focuses on texts and content within the legal, medical, educational, and business fields.  These translations require more than word-for-word trade-outs because of the differences in the respective countries’ legal concepts, systems, terminology, and cultural expectations.

Whereas the translation of a literary text (a poem or novel, for example) may have more latitude for interpretation, legal translation demands accuracy and precision.  For example, a contract written in Japanese must be accurately translated into English to retain its importance and meaning between parties in Japan and the United States.  Mistakes can lead to everything from misunderstandings to significant financial losses.

Transcreation fills the gap by adapting the content from the SL to the TL in a different way while ensuring the original content’s intention, style, and tone of the original content is preserved.  A professional translator with the TL’s expertise reviews the SL’s content, takes a step back, and then considers how he would accurately convey that message in the TL.

Transcreation in Legal Translation Cannot be Overlooked.

Legal translation encompasses a broad range of documents.  In general, all of these documents represent legal processes–whether for immigration, medical, education, or business purposes–just as a few examples.  Often these documents include or are accompanied by narrative context.  

For example, immigration paperwork may include reference letters from friends and family of the applicant.  A qualified legal translator will use his transcreation skills to read the SL documents, consider the intent, meaning, and feelings of the original content, and then use his professional judgment to write the text that conveys all of those accurately in the TL.

Another example of transcreation in legal translation often occurs in marketing.  Marketing content–from mottos to the content of posters and brochures–is generally written creatively, reflecting the cultural expectations and norms of the source country.  A professional legal translator will understand the target country’s culture and be able to convert the text in a manner that creates the same feelings and understanding in the TL.

We translate all types of legal documents.

At The Perfect Translation, we use teams of professional translators with expertise in the subject matter they are translating for.  Whether you need to obtain accurate legal translations of immigration paperwork, loan documents, or advertising content, we’ve got a team of professionals to help you.  You’ll rest assured that The Perfect Translation will translate your documents accurately and completely.  We provide certified and notarized document translation services for all document types associated with immigration, business, real estate, financial, academic, legal, and medical industries.  Contact us today for a free quote!