Have you ever tried to find work abroad in a foreign speaking country? Tried to adopt from the Far East? Attempted to study overseas? Or maybe you just need to have your official documents translated for use in official business? If you have, you know how difficult it can be to have the papers processed, especially if there exists a language barrier. Particularly if you are dealing with immigration and citizenship matters. In fact, there are a myriad of reasons where one may need certified translation services.
But what exactly makes a translation certified? You can have translations made anywhere, by anyone – but what makes it certified is when the translated document is prepared in such a manner where they are recognized by its recipient as an impartial rendering of the original text. This can then be used as a base reference for decision making within a legal framework. These all can be called certified translations, sworn translations or accredited translations.
]]>
How does one know if a certain translation is certified? To quote from the Foenix Translation website, a UK certified translation company, “In most cases, a translation is considered as ‘certified’ if they bear a formal declaration by the linguist testifying to the truth or genuineness of their work endorsed by means of their seal or signature…” Depending on the country of practice however, this declaration can take many forms:
- An oath taken by an accredited linguist before a solicitor, notary public or commissioner of oaths
- An oath taken by a translation agency representative on behalf of their linguist before a solicitor, notary public or commissioner of oaths
- A formal declaration of an accredited linguist or translation agency with full accountability to their work
- A sworn translator declaration
In some countries – like France, Switzerland and Germany among others- sworn translators are those who have taken a special examination to obtain a license as an official public translator for the court, department of foreign affairs and general administration. The title of being ‘sworn’ indicates that the translator has obtained the proper training for handling legal translations. This also gives them exclusivity – as opposed to non-sworn translators - to certify translations in their local jurisdictions. Translated documents with the seal of a sworn translator is regarded as lawful without further validation from a third party.
So before you go and have your official documents translated, understand that it must be done properly by accredited entities such as sworn translators and certified translation services providers. Find out the requirements for what you need according to the country you need it for. If you need help and want to learn more, do not hesitate to ask questions from translation agencies or sworn translators.
Find More Translation Service Articles