Considerations for Legal Translation

China is not only a populous country but also one of the countries with the most legislation in the world. Since China joined the WTO, its trade interactions with the international market have been increasing day by day. A regulated market order and successful business cooperation require legal safeguards, greatly promoting the development of legal translation.

1. Overview of Legal Text Translation

Legal texts are primarily composed of distinctive legal language. Laws are norms recognized by the state and enforced through state power, serving as the highest standards to regulate and constrain society as a whole, possessing supreme authority and specification. Legal translation involves cross-jurisdictional communication and cross-linguistic interaction concerning legal thoughts, cultural language, legal norms, and legal texts. Therefore, translating legal texts must take into account the characteristics of these texts while carefully selecting translation strategies and methods.

2. Perspectives and Approaches to Legal Translation Research

(1) Theoretical Principles of Legal Translation

Theory and practice are an inseparable whole. Theory guides practice, and practice promotes the development of theory. In the development of translation studies in China, outstanding translators such as Nida, Venuti, Newmark, and Toury have contributed excellent translation theories, alongside figures like Yan Fu, Fu Lei, Lin Shu, and Xu Yuanchong who have added to the foundations of translation in China. Legal translation differs from other literary or general application translations; it has its own professional characteristics, making theoretical exploration of legal translation a necessary and arduous journey.

(2) Language Study in Legal Translation

Legal language is a specific language with particular meanings. Due to the special nature of law, it aims not only to convey its inherent literal meaning but also to express a certain tone, atmosphere, and legal binding force attached to that linguistic form. When translating legal texts, attention should be paid to consistency and uniformity of language, avoiding redundancy while striving for clarity, conciseness, standardization, and professionalism. Research on the language of legal translation promotes the development of applied linguistics in China, helps standardize the language used in the legal profession, and facilitates the alignment of China's legal system with international legal systems.

(3) Educational Research in Legal Translation

Research on legal translation education has shown rapid growth between 2009 and 2014. With the acceleration of globalization, China's legislative efforts and legal practices are further integrating with the world. The traditional model of training single-discipline legal talent can no longer meet contemporary demands; thus, it is urgent to cultivate interdisciplinary talents who are both familiar with legal affairs and possess foreign language skills.

Overall, the research on legal translation in China is thriving, with a broad development prospect and significant practical implications. Exploring perspectives and approaches to legal translation research contributes to opening new fields of legal study and advancing legal translation. However, it is important to recognize that due to limitations of social context and linguistic environment, there are still many shortcomings in the research on legal translation. Improving legal translation research is a long and challenging journey.

◀️：Legal Translation

▶️：Legal Text Translation