Fathi M. A. Ahmed Unveils New Book in Academy of Translators Podcast
Fathi M. A. Ahmed Unveils New Book in Academy of Translators Podcast
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In an exclusive episode of the Academy of Translators YouTube channel, host and Academy chief Sherif Abuzaid welcomed his longtime colleague and legal translator, Fathi M. A. Ahmed (also known as Fathi Abdelraouf), to discuss his landmark new book, Thinking Like a Legal Translator. Ahmed, a translation instructor at the American University in Cairo (AUC), a lecturer in practice at the Faculty of Language of Ain Shams University, and a legal translation consultant for the Office of the Prosecutor at the International Criminal Court (ICC), shared insights from his 25-year career.
The interview explored the unique methodology behind the book, which Ahmed described as a practical guide born from years of lectures and international practice rather than a mere theoretical study.
Redefining the Legalese Stereotype
Ahmed addressed the common misconception that legal translation is simply a matter of memorizing "clichés" or fixed templates. While acknowledging the existence of fixed expressions, he warned that over-reliance on them can lead to drafting flaws and loopholes.
To illustrate the high stakes of the profession, Ahmed recounted a high-profile 1970s arbitration case involving the Egyptian government and a company called Siag. A seemingly minor linguistic error in the translation of the Egyptian Investment Law—confusing a masculine and feminine reference—contributed to a massive compensation ruling against Egypt. "A small error in translation can lead to a massive consequence," Ahmed noted.
Inside the International Kitchen
A significant portion of the book focuses on translation within the United Nations (UN) and other international bodies, a field Ahmed refers to as the international kitchen. He highlighted three critical challenges in this sector:
Lack of Specialization: The absence of dedicated legal translation units, with work often distributed among generalists.
Conceptual Gaps: Some translators lacking a baseline understanding of legal principles, leading to errors like mistranslating "record keeping" as "preserving records" instead of the commercially accurate "holding books".
Friction with Legal Experts: A lack of structured cooperation between linguists and lawyers, often resulting in legal experts attempting to rewrite translations to match their personal views rather than the source text.
The Human vs. the Machine
Ahmed shared a compelling anecdote regarding AI's limitations. When testing a paid AI tool on a complex sentence from the Rome Statute, the AI confidently provided an interpretation of the word may. Seeking the human truth, Ahmed contacted Professor Morten Bergsmo, one of the original drafters of the Statute, who confirmed the AI's interpretation was entirely incorrect.
"We cannot place final trust in AI; the human mind remains superior... especially regarding human discretion and expertise," Ahmed emphasized.
Ethics and "Safe Passage"
The final chapters of the book, titled "Keeper of the Secret, Faithful to the Covenant," deal with the ethical soul of the profession. Ahmed criticized the trend of translators posting client documents—such as marriage contracts or sensitive agreements—online, calling it a violation of both ethics and professional standards. He also argued that it is unethical for translators to accept legal work if they lack the specific qualifications for the field.
Availability and Interactive Support
The 450-page volume includes 13 appendices, several of which are digital and accessible via QR codes within the book to allow for copy-pasting of key templates. In a modern twist, Ahmed has linked each chapter to a dedicated page on his website, www.fathiahmed.com, providing after-sales service where readers can ask questions and receive technical support directly from the author.
The book was available at the Cairo International Book Fair with special discounts for translation students and members of the Bar Association, as well as on global platforms like Amazon, Google, and Samawy.
Short Videos
Full Podcast
■ Fathi M. A. Ahmed Discusses New Book on Nile Life TV
■ Fathi M. A. Ahmed Discusses New Book on Nile Life TV
In an interest segment on the Nile Life Egyptian TV program Good Morning, Fathi M. A. Ahmed sat down on March 18, 2026, to discuss the intricacies of his new book, Thinking Like a legal Translator. The work, which was signed earlier this year at the Cairo International Book Fair, draws on Ahmed's 26 years of hands-on experience in the field to demystify a profession often misunderstood by the public. Ahmed explained that legal translation is a highly specialized discipline where the practitioner must "walk on two legs": achieving extreme linguistic accuracy while maintaining the sophisticated drafting style expected by legal professionals.(See more)
■ Fathi M. A. Ahmed Presents and Signs Thinking Like a Legal Translator at the Cairo International Book Fair
■ Fathi M. A. Ahmed Presents and Signs Thinking Like a Legal Translator at the Cairo International Book Fair
On 24 January 2026, the Cairo International Book Fair 2026 hosted a warm and engaging afternoon event with Fathi M. A. Ahmed, author of Thinking Like a Legal Translator: An In-Depth Guide to Addressing Legal Translation Challenges at the International and Domestic Levels. The gathering combined a book signing with an open discussion symposium, drawing translators, academics, and readers who share a deep interest in the evolving field of legal translation.(See more)
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