Legal requirements for Translation services?

[Live2Learn]

Hello all,

I hope somebody can help me here.

A friend of mine who is bilingual and a couple of her friends who speak a number of other languages wish to start a translations and copywriting business that would basically outsource themselves to companies who need the services.

We're wondering whether there are any legal requirements for translation agencies? Their experience is unquestionably good. But we're concerned about if there are any legal requirements or regulations/registrations needed.

E.g.
Lawyers/Solicitors need to be registered and also like chartered accountants.

Much appreciated for any advice/suggestions presented!

 

[Kernowman]

As far as I am aware, you are providing a service just like any other service. I would however take out some liability insurance to cover yourself for unforseen problems that may arise like tripping over colloquialisms in other languages that have double meanings which might slip into the translation and be misconstrued.

For example, the words "Quarante uno" (sp) means the number 41, but in some areas of the world with a Spanish based language it can mean something quite different entirely!

 

[Live2Learn]

Interesting, thank you Kernowman.

Naturally they'd take out professional liability and also indemnity for security in any unforeseen situations.

I'm personally in IT, so this is all new to me!

Thanks!

 

[Astaroth]

For normal translations there is no requirement for certification.

If you are talking about legal documents then things get more complex because you can require a "certified translation". I have to say that I have never gotten to the bottom of what this strictly means in the UK (and nor have any of the solicitors I have spoken to over the years).

In other countries however there are legal definitions of what it means, namely that you must be registered to be able to do them. Given that a translator would normally translate from their secondary language into their first language (so my partner translates from English to Spanish as a native Spanish speaker) your friend will need to be careful of what they're offering.... the legal system in Spain will have different requirements than those in Mexico.

 

[Live2Learn]

For normal translations there is no requirement for certification.

If you are talking about legal documents then things get more complex because you can require a "certified translation". I have to say that I have never gotten to the bottom of what this strictly means in the UK (and nor have any of the solicitors I have spoken to over the years).

In other countries however there are legal definitions of what it means, namely that you must be registered to be able to do them. Given that a translator would normally translate from their secondary language into their first language (so my partner translates from English to Spanish as a native Spanish speaker) your friend will need to be careful of what they're offering.... the legal system in Spain will have different requirements than those in Mexico.

Interesting post Dan, thank you.

We are talking general copywriting int his matter. I had assumed that legal and even medical copywriting or other such similar services would require a certification of sorts - what exactly I don't know.

I did some further research on Google and found that most just suggest that indemnity insurance is recommended - but that should be second nature to somebody starting and running a business.

Most of the work she is looking to do is English to other languages. French and Spanish she would do herself, and her friends (to be colleagues) would expand that language range to such like German, Italian, Russian, Polish, Arabic and Hindi.

 

[Geoff T]

OP - a client of mine runs a translation service... PM me some real info on the folks. and I'll be happy to pass them on to him.

It might help (get them started, get them work - you never know!)

 

[victoriaw]

Hi!

I know some people working in Spanish Translation Services <link to site removed by moderator> and they say its totally OK for everyone to translate anything but legal documents. For that every country has its own legal requirements.

 

[Consultant sea]

Look up the "National Register of Public Service Interpreters" on google. May be worth registering there or going down that route on top of your normal businss plan.

 

[vAn_734]

You might want to check out this site: http://www.mastertranslationservices.com they handle a lot of legal requirements for translation

They are good with other translation in different formats too.

 

[strakertranslations]

We're always looking for good translators, if your friends are looking to do freelance work get them to contact us, google Straker Translations.

___________________
Gary Player
Straker Translations

 

[Mark_Arlen]

You can also check out this site for translation services, they handle different types of translations services like legal translations , sworn and medical translations services.You can find this site by searching "EK TRANSLATIONS" On Google.

 

[translations2u]

I see this post is a few years old now but feel the need to contribute in any case based on my experience.

As with any profession, qualification to at least degree level is essential and accreditation by a professional body is equally so if you wish to provide translations that are to be used for official purposes. Becoming a member of a professional body also shows commitment and a serious attitude to your business whatever field you work in.

There are many individuals who are purely bilingual and can provide very good translations, however, if you want to be taken seriously as a professional service provider, relevant qualifications prove your commitment but then experience and satisfied clients prove your worth.

Translators also should only translate into their native language (or languages in some cases) although many will argue against this. Nonetheless, I've seen translators with 20 years' experience translate into a language that isn't their mother tongue and although it's a very good translation, it is always apparent that the translation has not been performed by a native speaker.

In my business, we offer 3 service options - translation only, translation & review, translation with editing/proofreading & review- although we often advise as to a preferred option for certain subject matters and language pairs.

As we specialise in translations for business, law and industry, we have to adopt stricter standards than if we translate a short text describing a holiday resort, for instance. Therefore, everyone who works with us must have a language degree or equivalent and provide professional referees to be considered.

Well, this was an overview from my perspective. I hope it helps. Feel free to message me if you have any questions or comments. Likewise, more information about my business services on my translations2u website and the associated blog.

 

[Martha55]

Well, for most translation projects certification is required, though for some it is not a must.
Currently, Master TR Translation Company is looking for professional mother tongue translators for all language pairs. So if you are interested in cooperating with Master TR, please send us your CV and translation rates.
For more information, please go to our website - mastertr.com.