Fathi M. A. Ahmed Discusses New Book on Egyptian TV

To bridge these gaps, translators often employ domestication to align terms with the target system or foreignization to keep the original context clear but distinct. This delicate balancing act is what Ahmed calls safe passage, a term he chose specifically to highlight the goal of moving a text between languages without loss, omission, or unnecessary additions.

Addressing the modern influence of technology, Ahmed offered a cautious take on the rise of Artificial Intelligence. While he noted that AI can assist with rapid information access, he warned of systemic biases and the danger of hidden errors that appear correct on the surface but can create legal loopholes. He expressed concern that global economic pressures are currently pushing some organizations to rely on AI outputs without human review, though he predicted the industry would eventually scale back once the risks of removing human judgment become apparent.

The interview also touched upon the high stakes of international law, particularly at the United Nations (UN) and the International Criminal Court (ICC). Ahmed described how the UN frequently uses constructive ambiguity to reach consensus among 193 member states with clashing interests. In the context of international criminal law, he emphasized that the translator’s role is of the utmost importance, as a single word in a witness statement can determine the existence of genocidal intent. As Ahmed poignantly summarized, in the world of legal translation, one word can acquit, and one word can convict.

Click here for the Distrubiton Network