The Linguist

FEATURES @CIOL_Linguists SPRING 2023 The Linguist 23 of translation and pass an exam. This comprises two translation exercises per linguistic combination: a short text (e.g. a birth certificate) and a longer one (e.g. an excerpt from a contract). Candidates must successfully complete the translation of both. Beyond the UK and Ireland Most other European nations have a system of sworn translators, who are approved to verify translations, but the process differs from country to country. To become a sworn translator in France, applicants must submit a file, which they can find on the website of the Court of Appeal (Cour d'appel). Applications filed by 1 March are considered in the autumn by a panel of judges, who pronounce their approval or rejection on an individual basis. Successful candidates must demonstrate qualifications and/or experience in the legal field. They are then invited to take an oath at an official court session. Becoming a sworn translator or interpreter automatically confers the title of 'legal expert' in France, so the oath is usually followed by a short introduction, conducted by the local association of legal experts, on how to do things by the rules. Though translators are sworn with one specific Court of Appeal, their status is recognised nationwide and they may practise anywhere. Their time as legal experts starts with a probationary period of three years. The status is renewed every five years, providing they submit a list of their annual works and law-related CPD to the Courts of Justice or the police before the 1 March deadline. In Roman law countries such as France, when translators and interpreters take their oath, they automatically become sworn to work in their language combination(s) in both directions (e.g. English to French and French to English). In Luxembourg, candidates submit a digital copy of their application to the Minister of Justice, who has power to appoint experts. As in France, sworn translators and interpreters have the status of experts. Once the Minister has checked and approved applications the names of successful candidates are added to the Ministry's official list, which is publicly notified by a ministerial decree three or four times a year. They are then invited to take an oath before the Civil Chamber of the Supreme Court of Justice (Cour Supérieure de Justice). In Belgium, applications are submitted to the Federal Ministry of Justice, which has been in charge of putting together a national register of sworn translators, interpreters and translators-interpreters since 2014. All applications are thoroughly studied by an authorising committee made up of two chambers (one for French and German speakers, the other for Dutch speakers). On 1 December 2022, this national register became permanent. Sworn linguists listed in it are expected to purchase an official card mentioning their accreditation number, thus proving their status. As in France, they have to renew their status periodically (every six years in Belgium) with evidence of their CPD. In Spain, sworn translators and interpreters have public/judicial officer status, like notaries. Candidates have to pass an exam held by the Oficina de Interpretación de Lenguas of the Spanish Foreign Office. This consists of a written test – a multiple-choice questionnaire on the Spanish language, and the translation of three legal texts in Spanish and one in the candidate's chosen language – and an oral test, involving a consecutive interpretation and an interview in the target language. As in other Roman law countries, once sworn, linguists in Spain acquire the status of experts but they are not contractually employed by courts. Interestingly, those sworn in another EU state may ask for their status to be recognised in Spain, which exempts them from having to take the exam. Sworn translators are sent a professional card and have to affix a seal to their translations. In Poland, the 2004 act on the profession of sworn translator (known as UZTP) regulates the profession. The right to practise as a sworn translator is acquired by a person who cumulatively meets the conditions specified in the UZTP and has passed an exam, which is comprised of a written and an oral test. The status of sworn translator is confirmed by a certificate issued by the Minister of Justice, but this does not automatically entitle the person to practise as a sworn translator in Poland. This comes only after taking an oath and being added to a list of sworn translators kept by the Minister. As we can see, procedures differ across Europe. But rumour has it that an official European register of sworn translators will be set up within the next few years.

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