Articles

Fathi M. A. Ahmed is a writer focused on critical themes in language and translation, providing valuable insights grounded in his extensive experience as a translator, reviser, and post-editor for the United Nations and the International Criminal Court (ICC). His writings are informed by real-world practice, emphasizing the practical challenges and considerations that translators face. He addresses common pitfalls in Arabic language learning, advocating for a comprehensive approach essential for effective communication in translation.

Ahmed explores the linguistic and legal complexities surrounding pivotal documents in the Israeli occupation of Palestine, illustrating how nuances in language can impact translation accuracy and interpretation. In discussing the relationship between human translators and machine translation, he highlights that, despite significant advancements in technology, human expertise remains irreplaceable for nuanced and contextually aware translations.

By examining key theoretical frameworks that underscore the purpose behind translations, Ahmed offers insights that are not merely theoretical but drawn from his professional background. He addresses common questions faced by professionals in the translation and interpreting fields, including the implications of translation errors and the challenges of specialized terminology. His writing contributes to ongoing dialogues about legal translation, cross-cultural communication, and the role of technology in modern translation practices. By tackling the complexities of translation quality and advocating for the necessity of human oversight in the age of automation, Ahmed plays a role in advancing the discourse in translation and language studies.

■  The Reason Why a Text is Translated is How to Translate it: Skopos Theory Explained 

The article, originally written in Arabic, presents a nuanced perspective on the relationship between human translators and machine translation. The core argument is firmly grounded in Skopos theory, emphasizing the paramount importance of the purpose (Skopos) of a translation in guiding the translation process...(Read the Article)

■  Translation or Interpreting? Which to take up?

This article, originally written in Arabic, offers a detailed comparison between translation and interpreting, two distinct yet interconnected fields of language expertise. The author effectively addresses common questions posed by students and professionals...(Read the Article)

■  A Translation Mistake that Cost Egypt a Fortune

This article, originally written in Arabic, presents a fascinating case study of how a seemingly minor error in translation led to significant legal and financial consequences for the Egyptian government...(Read the Article)

■  Is Arabic Made an International Language in Practice? 

In this article, originally written in Arabic, the author presents a compelling argument for teaching Arabic as a living, dynamic language capable of expressing contemporary ideas and concepts....(Read the Article)

■  The legal Drafter is a Layperson or a Lawyer? Does it Matter?

The article, originally written in Arabic, delves into the unique linguistic intricacies of legal terminology, exploring how certain words or phrases take on specific meanings within the legal field...(Read the Article)

■ Legal Translation Between Simplification and Complication

This article, originally written in Arabic, delves into the complexities of translation, particularly when dealing with specialized terminology and cultural nuances. The author argues that translators often face a choice between two primary techniques: domestication and foreignization...(Read the Article)

■ Facing Challenges in Translating International Criminal Law: Witness Statements as a Case Study

In 2021 and beyond, an international judicial body entrusted me with translating into Arabic witness statements related to international crimes. These statements were extremely detailed, with interrogators asking witnesses for precise descriptions of numerous individuals, as well as their degrees of kinship with the witnesses and others...(Read the Article)

■ If You Trust Flying on a Plane on Autopilot Only, Then Trust a Translation Without Human Editing 

In the era of advanced technology, both the aviation and translation industries have witnessed transformative innovations that significantly enhance productivity. Autopilot systems in airplanes and AI-driven machine translation (MT) tools, such as Google Translate Microsoft Translator or DeepL, are prime examples of how automation can optimize workflows and reduce human effort in repetitive tasks...(Read the Article)