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22 The Linguist Vol/62 No/1
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What does it mean to be a sworn translator in different
European countries, asks Alexandre Huillet-Raffi
W
hat exactly is a sworn translator?
The concept is not universal and
each country has its own rules,
even within Europe. The main difference tends
to lie in whether the country follows common
law (an uncodified legal system based on
precedents), such as Australia, Canada and the
UK, or Roman law (a codified legal system),
as in most of Europe and Latin America.
Sworn (or certified) translators/interpreters are
officially recognised professionals, who usually
take an oath with the relevant authorities, and
are authorised to certify that a text is a faithful
and accurate translation of a source document
that they have translated.
Their translation must comply with a code of
ethics but also with certain features – usually
a footer containing the official certifying note,
and the signature and seal of the translator.
The languages involved have to be specified
and the source layout must be respected.
Before taking a look at how things work
across Europe, let's see how they are done
in the UK. There is no equivalent to sworn
translators in the UK – Britain just doesn't
have them. Some translators are members of
officially approved institutions, such as the
Chartered Institute of Linguists, thereby
gaining recognition and sometimes chartered
linguist status. They also commit to continuing
professional development (CPD). Such
linguists certify translations with an official seal
and a note stating their membership of the
institution. Thus, their translations become
official and are accepted in all legal situations.
An alternative option is for a translation to
be sworn before a notary or a commissioner
for oaths (who, in British law, is an individual
appointed by the Lord Chancellor with power
to administer oaths or take affidavits). This
consists of swearing that the translation is the
accurate and faithful version of the source
Joining the sworn
document in the target language. What is
sworn is the individual translation, not the
translator, so the metaphorical seal of
approval does not apply to the translator
throughout their professional life.
There is a difference between the terms
'sworn', 'certified' and 'authorised/approved'.
'Sworn' implies that one has taken the text
before a solicitor/notary and sworn it.
'Certified' can be done at home by signing a
declaration. 'Authorised' sounds as though
the individual has been officially assessed,
but this does not happen in the UK, or in
several other English-speaking countries.
The system is similar in Ireland, where a
distinct body (the Irish Translators' and
Interpreters' Association; ITIA) conducts
the necessary verifications and gives the
translation a status akin to those in Britain.
To join, potential members must provide
evidence of five years' experience in the field
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