Why Legal Translation Differs from General Translation
Legal translation and general translation may seem similar, but they serve very different purposes. Legal translation deals with official documents such as contracts, certificates, court judgments, immigration papers, and corporate filings. These documents carry legal consequences, so every word must be translated with absolute precision. A single error or slight change in wording can alter the meaning of a clause or cause a document to be rejected by authorities. Legal translators must understand both languages deeply while also having expertise in legal systems, terminology, and required formats. Their work must maintain the original intent, context, and legal validity of the document, ensuring it can be used in courts, government offices, or international procedures without issues.
General translation, on the other hand, is used for everyday content like blogs, websites, marketing materials, product descriptions, and internal communications. The focus is on clarity, tone, and natural flow rather than strict accuracy of legal terminology. Small changes in phrasing are acceptable since they do not affect legal meaning or create risk. The key differences between the two lie in purpose, precision, risk level, and the skill required from the translator. Legal translation demands complete accuracy due to its high stakes, while general translation prioritizes readability. When handling legal or official documents, professional legal translation is essential, but for casual or promotional content, general translation is usually more than sufficient.
