Translation work: a new industry

The fact that the Maltese language has been confirmed as an official EU language boosts our national identity and pride to their highest level. I am very proud of my Maltese roots and tradition. As a direct consequence, I am always looking for ways and means to improve Malta's image in every field.

This is why it was very sad to learn of the mistakes made in the Maltese translation of the draft EU Constitution. Such an important task as the translation of the first draft, as approved by the Convention on the Future of Europe, is an assignment that does not fall within the routine of any translator.

The degree of care, revision and proofreading that should have been taken in this case exceeds by far that necessary for other translations. The low remuneration and cash flow problems associated with the local translation of the acquis should never in anyway give way to lack of professionalism.

It is extremely important that clear rules, in both grammar and syntax, are strictly observed according to parameters affirmed by the Akkademja tal-Malti and, therefore, such entities and professionals have to be involved from the start and throughout the process.

There is, of course, a distinction between the Maltese used in literature (prose and poetry) and that used in drafting and/or translation of legal documents. Therefore, the use of juridical Maltese is very specific.

Juridical Maltese is that found in laws and legal documents and has to tally with the existing corpus juris. Translating and drafting laws is not just an exercise in the proper use of verbs and nouns, it is also an exercise in harmonisation of terms. Formation of good translators is probably the first step towards achieving excellence, but here again, not just any translators but translators who have experience in the legal and/or juridical field.

While on a business visit in Paris recently, I had several meetings regarding the translation of legal and official documents and, also, regarding legislative drafting work in France. One of these important meetings was at the Ecole Supèrieur d'Interprètariat et de Traduction (Esit).

During a long and interesting meeting with Jacques Pelage, a specialist in legal translations, Dr Pelage explained the academic and practical formation of a translator, with special reference to translators doing legal translations.

The possibility of collaboration was also discussed and future relations between our company and the Esit were discussed and favourably considered.

Dr Pelage showed great interest in conducting training sessions in Malta for Maltese translators who translate documents from French into Maltese.

Such training possibilities are the first step in making sure that such a negative incident does not occur again and that the decision makers involved are more aware of the implications of their choices.

Dr Xuereb is chairman of Euris Consult Ltd., a company offering EU-related consultancy and translation services