Session

Language mediators in the legal domain must also work as legal mediators, i.e. they must be able to compare, understand and explain legal content, because the legal accuracy of their translations (especially in certified translation) determines whether the respective proceedings are lawful. Such interlingual legal mediation between legal cultures that may be quite distant from each other is particularly complicated and risky.

The German, Russian and Ukrainian legal systems will serve as examples in the course. These legal systems show certain similarities because they are part of the same legal family and have been influenced by the German legal theory the 19th century. Nevertheless, today they differ significantly in many areas of law. The course aims to examine aspects linked to the legal system and legal culture that are relevant for legal translation in the context of these three legal systems and to draw attention to guidelines and requirements in this area of specialised translation.

In the practical part of the course, we will focus on the legal consequences of incorrect legal translations. In particular, we will deal with the typical legal consequences for natural and legal persons. Our aim is to rise awareness among course participants and help preventing such undesirable legal consequences, including possible liability. Modern legal terminology databases will be presented as important tools, including the JuDUD database. JuDUD is a virtual multilingual laboratory for the collection and comparison of legal terminology and documents. The termbase allows a wide range of professionals to cooperate remotely. We will also practice functional methods of legal translation and simulate legal procedures involving translators and interpreters.

The examples will be in German, Russian, Ukrainian and English. The course is aimed at experienced and aspiring translators as well as anyone interested in the subject.