Fathi M. A. Ahmed Delivers Lecture on Legal Translation at the Arab Organization for Industrialization
Fathi M. A. Ahmed Delivers Lecture on Legal Translation at the Arab Organization for Industrialization
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Cairo, 21 October 2024
Fathi M. A. Ahmed delivered a comprehensive lecture titled "Legal Translation: An Overview" to translators of the Arab Organization for Industrialization (AOI). The session provided an in-depth exploration of legal translation's critical role and its distinct challenges, focusing on real-world examples, including the famous Siag v. Egypt case, where a translation error contributed to Egypt's loss of millions of dollars.
Ahmed began by stressing the importance of legal language, pointing to Siag v. Egypt as a stark reminder of the profound consequences a seemingly minor translation mistake can have. In that case, a mistranslation of legal terminology in arbitration proceedings led to unfavorable outcomes for Egypt, costing the country millions in reparations. "Legal language is not just words—it’s a lifeline in law that directly impacts justice and financial outcomes," he noted.
He then explained what constitutes a legal document, emphasizing that these are not just contracts or agreements but also extend to wills, decrees, legislation, and court rulings. Legal documents require precision because they establish the rights and responsibilities of individuals and organizations under the law.
Ahmed further explored why lawyers use specialized legal language, explaining that it is essential for clarity and exactness. Legal language, often referred to as "legalese," aims to eliminate ambiguity, ensuring that the meaning remains consistent across jurisdictions and legal systems.
In addressing the features of old legal language, Ahmed highlighted the archaic terms and Latin phrases still prevalent in many legal documents today. While these elements may seem outdated, they are often retained for their precise legal definitions, though they can be a source of difficulty for translators.
He also discussed the challenges of legal translation, citing the unique terminologies, the differences between legal systems, and the cultural nuances that must be accounted for. One key point he made was that legal translation is not just about translating words but about interpreting intent within the context of the law.
Ahmed concluded the lecture by introducing the golden rule of legal translation: always prioritize the legal effect. "In legal translation, it is better to produce a slightly less readable document than to risk altering its legal meaning," he explained.
The final section of his presentation focused on translating for forensic purposes, where accuracy and attention to detail become even more critical. Mistakes in this area can impact criminal investigations, forensic evidence, and court proceedings, further underscoring the necessity of precise legal translation.
After the session, Ahmed met with Lieutenant General Maged Mohamed Mahmoud, Dean of the Arab Institute of Advanced Technology, where the lecture took place. They discussed the possibility of future cooperation in training the translators of the Arab Organization for Industrialization, exploring ways to enhance their skills through specialized programs.
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