KNOW, the Magazine for Paralegals Fall/Winter 2013.2 | Page 16

Here are some guidelines when working across languages and cultures:
• Translation v Interpretation. Know the difference. Translation is written format and interpretation is spoken.
• Be ready for an answer. When communicating in another language, remember the response
will be in that language. This reminds me of my uncle
who visited Paris and was so proud that he could ask
directions “Ou est le toilet”. He was stumped when
he got an answer.

“This reminds
me of my
uncle who
visited Paris and
was so proud
that he could ask
directions,
“Ou est le
toilet?”

• Be cognizant of different legal systems. A
US case with multi-lingual speakers is different than a
case in another country. Take into account the differences in legal systems.
• Good writing style. Sloppy writing leads to
bad translation. For example, how is a linguist going to translate this? “I am herewith returning the
stipulation to dismiss in the above entitled matter;
the same being duly executed by me.” The translator
changed it to "I have signed and enclosed the stipulation to dismiss the Byrd case." Is that was meant?
• Hire a good translator. Poor legal translation
is dangerous. Common problems are grammar errors,
omissions of words, literal translation rather than
capturing the meaning, wrong tense or incorrect
detail. Make sure to hire a professional with subjectmatter expertise.
• Subject matter expertise. We have a wonderful Spanish translator with a PhD in International
Relations. He quotes grammar dictionaries and is a
stickler for detail. But we do not send him any technical engineering documents because he does not
know engineering terminology. Match the expert to
the subject-matter for the best quality.

16