Administrative translation is something that affects us every day, although many of us are unaware it even exists. That’s why we are dedicating this article to taking a look at this type of translation and its key features. Can agencies translate these types of documents, or are they too specialised?
When talking about institutional translations, we mean public sector translations. More specifically, for public administration bodies, both domestic and global.
Texts are typically of a legal nature. However, we also come across social, medical and even technological texts.
So, the texts the translator will work on depend on the institution.
If the public administration determines the type of text, which entities need these institutional translations?
On an international scale, we see large institutions like the UN or the European Commission. And domestically, we see ministries such as the Home Office, the Foreign Office and the Ministry of Justice also turning to public sector translation services.
We don’t even have to look too far. Currently, smaller town councils also need translation services to make their communications available in minority languages.
The main characteristic of public translation is that it is highly technical. It typically contains a high volume of specific terminology and is neutral in style.
In fact, some documents require a particular structure and phraseology. That’s why these translations require a degree of formality. Imagine drafting a legal sentence: nothing added, nothing taken away. This type of translation must be the same.
Furthermore, we must consider that some documents are living documents. This means they will be updated over time. That’s why the translation must include all updates without losing previous references in the process.
In other words, a translator must be strict with their retranslation, so they don’t leave out any information while maintaining the quality of the text.
One of the most important aspects of a public service translation is that, in most cases, the translated text is as important as the original.
This is the case with documents from the European Union, as equal importance is given to all languages.
If we want to internationalise, we need to understand that training is essential. Given the complexity of the work we receive, institutions require us to have a deep understanding of the subject.
What’s more, in some cases, jobs will only be given if we have specific training on the subject we are going to translate.
That said, let’s not let it put us off. If we want a job in public sector translation, we should focus our efforts on specialising in the legal, financial and science and technology fields.
For this type of texts, we must be aware that we cannot take the stylistic or creative licence we would in literary translation, for example. We must be strict and pragmatic to offer the most precise version of the original content.
And clearly, our translations for companies in the institutional field will never bear our signature. So, if that is what you’re looking for, you should perhaps think about another field.
Although large organisations often have their own departments to carry out administrative translations, smaller administrations can indeed seek the services of translation agencies and even freelancers.
What’s more, entities hold international and national tenders to carry out this work. For example, at Ontranslation, we support administrations and organisations that require professional legal or institutional translations.
Ultimately, although public service translation is a complex field in which organisations try to undertake the task themselves, some require the services of other professionals. So, as translators, we must always be well-trained and constantly renew ourselves.
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