To consider working with a professional translator for legal documents we should first look at some numbers. There is an estimated 18% increase for recognized translators, which is on average much higher than other professions. With the importance of having official documentation such as medical health papers represented as accurately as possible, this should come as no surprise. When it comes to getting legal documents translated, the necessity of going with a recognized translator or translation service is of equal importance, as even the smallest mistake can have dire consequences. Here is why you should always go with a professional when it comes to translating your legal documentation.
There are a lot of listicles and memes related to ‘English Fails’ and they usually revolve around typos and incorrect translations in marketing materials. While these are of course funny for an audience that has no connection to the story, imagine the horror for businesses realizing the shortcuts they took really had massive consequences. When it comes to getting legal documents translated properly, it really isn’t the time to opt for Google Translate. Not only does context matter in a translation, but there is a chance many of the sentences won’t be structured to have the same meaning as the original. This can not only lead to overall miscommunication, but even a lawsuit if anyone is affected by the incorrect translation. Don’t skimp on money or time here, make sure to work with professionals for accuracy.
26% of Americans are bilingual, but you have to keep in mind that doesn’t automatically mean that they are masters of either language they speak. Even if an individual is fluent, if they are not professional translators many important distinctions and contexts might fall through the cracks, rendering the translated document inaccurate. A person may also believe they are fluent in Spanish when in reality they can only speak conversational Spanish with family members, which will not be useful in translating academic, medical or legal documents. A professional and recognized translator or translation service allows you to be worry-free as they not only use their fluency, but also their mastery of the given language to translate a legal document accurately as possible, keeping all meanings intact. Instead of allowing a friend or relative to loosely translate important papers, opt for the professionals.
While the internet makes it easier than ever to communicate with people, when it comes to important affairs, we should always avoid shortcuts. Online methods of quick translations or fluent speakers of a given language should never be viewed as a substitute for the real thing. By using a recognized and professional translation service, you can easily make sure what is needed to be conveyed will effectively be conveyed—along with all of the small and large details.