Historical Context

Pepsi’s global expansion in the mid-20th century brought it into China, a market with rich linguistic nuance and complex logographic script. The original English slogan aimed to evoke youthfulness and vitality. However, when translated too literally without considering context, cultural connotations, and linguistic structure, the result was both shocking and absurd to Chinese consumers.

Why Did This Happen?

• Literal Translation
  The phrase was translated word-for-word, ignoring semantics and cultural context. Chinese characters with multiple meanings led to a mistranslation that emphasised resurrection: an ominous concept in ancestral-based cultures.
• Cultural Blind Spots
  Pepsi’s translation seemingly ignored the reverence for ancestors in Chinese tradition. Mentioning “bringing ancestors back” is taboo, touching on beliefs in the afterlife and ancestral spirits.
• Lack of Local Expertise
  Reports suggest Pepsi didn’t consult native linguists or perform sufficient focus-group testing, thus failing to detect the error until it had already gone public.

Business Impacts

• Brand Damage: The bizarre slogan embarrassed local audiences and triggered widespread ridicule, undermining Pepsi’s marketing credibility.
• Financial Cost: Fixing such an error required republishing materials, reprinting packaging, re-running ads, and launching corrective campaigns – all at considerable expense.
• Loss of Trust: Consumers may view global firms as insensitive or tone-deaf, potentially prompting long-term damage to brand reputation in that market.

Broader Implications for Multinational Marketing

• Not Just Words: Translation is more than lexical conversion – it must account for transcreation, the art of adapting content to resonate emotionally and culturally.
• Contextual Sensitivity: Idioms, humour, or metaphors often don’t “travel.” Literal translation fails when the target language requires culturally anchored rephrasing.
• Native Testing: In-market validation with target audiences can prevent costly missteps.

Academic Insights & Best Practices

Translation scholars emphasise the importance of balancing literal and dynamic equivalence. According to Newmark’s translation theory:

• Literal (metaphrase): Word for word, often inappropriate for marketing.
• Semantic: Careful meaning for meaning, useful for texts requiring precision.
• Communicative (dynamic): Captures sense, tone, and cultural relevance, which is central to successful marketing translation.

A 2017 study in the Journal of Brand Strategy found firms that invested in transcreation (adaptive translation) saw 30% higher brand engagement in foreign markets compared to those relying on literal translation.

Recommendations for Firms

• Engage Native Linguists & Cultural Consultants: Professionals who understand local idioms and cultural frameworks.
• Localise, Don’t Translate: A creative rewrite may preserve brand essence better than direct translation.
• Use Focus Groups: Pilot campaigns locally before a full launch.
• Iterate Responsively: Monitor feedback and be prepared to tweak messaging.
• Operational Budgeting for Contingencies: Allocate funds to correct any translation anomalies swiftly.

Conclusion

Pepsi’s “ancestral resurrection” fiasco is more than just folklore: it is an example of how translation errors can have tangible, reputational consequences. For firms expanding globally, this shows that every word carries weight. Successful international campaigns require more than linguistic accuracy: they demand cultural fluency, strategic adaptation, and meticulous testing.

Translation is all about converting text or speech from one language to another, while trying to keep the meaning and context as close as possible. This includes written and spoken forms, and more recently, machine-assisted translations as well. In linguistics, translation is part of applied linguistics, and it overlaps with areas like comparative literature, semiotics, and computer science.

The Oxford English Dictionary defines translation as “the action or process of turning something written or spoken from one language into another” (Oxford University Press, 2023). Eugene Nida, a foundational figure in modern translation studies, proposed two primary types: formal equivalence (literal translation) and dynamic equivalence (sense-for-sense translation), which remain central to theoretical debates in the field (Nida, 1964).

Historical Development

The practice of translation goes way back. One of the earliest examples we have is the Septuagint (3rd century BCE), which was the Greek translation of the Hebrew Bible, made for the Jewish people in Alexandria. In Roman times, Cicero and Horace both wrote about the ethics of translation arguing that meaning is more important than literal word-for-word translation.

During the Islamic Golden Age (8th to 13th centuries), vast bodies of Greek and Persian scientific and philosophical texts were translated into Arabic at places such as the House of Wisdom in Baghdad. This era preserved and advanced classical knowledge that would later be reintroduced to Europe through Latin translations during the Middle Ages.

In the Renaissance, translators such as Martin Luther and William Tyndale contributed to vernacular translations of religious texts, which had significant cultural and political consequences.  The rise of printing technology in the 15th century also meant that translations could spread even further, helping to share knowledge more widely.

Theoretical Frameworks

Modern translation studies emerged as an academic discipline in the 20th century. Influential figures include Roman Jakobson, who identified three types of translation: intralingual (within the same language), interlingual (between different languages), and intersemiotic (between different sign systems).  The field continued to evolve with Lawrence Venuti’s influential work on the “invisibility” of the translator, and Hans Vermeer’s development of Skopos theory, which helped to shift the focus from linguistic equivalence to more functional and culturally informed approaches.

Role and Importance

Translation plays an important role across a wide range of fields, including diplomacy, international law, literature, science, media, global commerce, and digital communication. It enables cross-cultural understanding, facilitates international cooperation, and helps preserve and share knowledge worldwide.

In the global economy, translation supports multilingual content delivery, marketing, and localisation strategies. It is integral to the functioning of international organisations such as the United Nations and the European Union, which rely on official translation services to  maintain their commitment to multilingualism.

The importance of translation across specialised sectors has also been explored in recent industry research.  In legal contexts, mistranslations or inadequate translation can result in procedural errors, the loss of legal rights, or unenforceable contracts, which emphasises the translator’s critical role as a mediator of justice.

Applications Across Sectors

Translation is a  fundamental part of communication across many areas of society. Historically, it was first formalised in religious, governmental, and academic settings.. Religious translation played a significant role in the spreading of sacred texts – for example,the Septuagint, the Vulgate, and later, vernacular translations of the Biblemaking spiritual teachings accessible across different languges and cultures.

In governance and diplomacy, translation has long served the needs of empires, treaties, and international law. The Treaty of Kadesh (c. 1259 BCE), between the Egyptians and Hittites, is one of the earliest known bilingual diplomatic texts.

In the modern era, translation is essential in fields including:

• Legal: It facilitates access to justice through translation of contracts, case files, immigration documents, multilingual courtroom interpreting, and material in relation to human rights affairs.
• Medical: It safeguards patient safety and facilitates ethical communication within multicultural healthcare systems, including the translation of consent forms, prescriptions, and diagnostic reports.
• Technical and Scientific: It supports innovation and safety through the translation of engineering manuals, patents, scientific papers, and pharmaceutical data.
• Media and Entertainment: It expands global reach through subtitling, dubbing, and by localising films, series, and video games.
• Education: It facilitates access to knowledge by translating textbooks, academic research, and content for international study programmes.
• Commerce and Marketing: It enables global business by adapting advertising, product descriptions, e-commerce platforms, and customer service content.

Translation’s institutional role evolved further in the 20th century with the rise of multinational corporations, intergovernmental organisations, and global media. The development of professional translator associations (e.g. FIT, CIOL, ITI) helped standardise practice and ethics.

Legal Translation

Typical  documents requiring legal translation include case bundles, witness statements, particulars of claims, pleadings, defence and counterclaims, police reports,, arbitration agreements, evidence bundles, contracts, deeds, mortgage agreements, medical assessments and reports, as well as personal documents such as marriage, birth, wills and death certificates. Accurate translation in these contexts is essential to ensure legal compliance, mitigate risk, promote transparency andclarity, and allow access to fair justice for everyone.

Translation and Technology

Machine translation (MT) has undergone significant advancement since the advent of computational linguistics in the 1950s. Rule-based and statistical models have evolved into neural machine translation (NMT) systems, with platforms such as Google Translate and DeepL now offering near-human fluency in many contexts. Nevertheless, professional human translators remain essential for nuanced texts involving legal, literary, or culturally embedded content.

Computer-assisted translation (CAT) tools, including translation memory systems and terminology management, enhance productivity and consistency in professional environments.

Market Overview

According to the market research firm Statista, the global language services industry was valued at approximately US$56.18 billion in 2021, with projections exceeding US$73 billion by 2025.The localisation segment, particularly in software and gaming, represents a rapidly expanding niche within this market.

The Common Sense Advisory reports that 76% of consumers prefer to purchase products in their native language, and 40% will not buy from websites in other languages, underscoring the commercial significance of translation for online business.

Internet statistics from Internet World Stats (2023) indicate that English constitutes approximately 25.9% of web content, followed by Chinese (19.4%), Spanish (7.9%), and Arabic (5.2%). As more regions gain internet access, multilingual digital content and translation services are expected to grow in importance.

Challenges and Ethical Considerations

Key challenges in translation include maintaining fidelity to the source text while ensuring clarity and readability in the target language. Cultural untranslatability, idiomatic expressions, humour, and specialised legal terminologies are particularly problematic.

From an ethical point of view, translators must navigate complex issues of bias, authorship, and power dynamics.  The question of the translator’s visibility—whether they should act as a neutral conduit or take on a more interpretive role—remains a subject of ongoing scholarly debate (Venuti, 1995).

Translation is a complex, interdisciplinary practice that has shaped human communication for centuries. As technology evolves and global interconnectedness increases, the demand for accurate, context-aware translation continues to grow, both in practical and theoretical importance.

IMD Translation Ltd announces the departure of James Halstead MCIL CL, who has served as the General Manager with distinction and dedication. James has been an integral part of our team, setting out all process, policies, and systems since the end of 2021, and subsequently contributing significantly to our growth and success over the years.

During his tenure, James spearheaded numerous initiatives that have positioned IMD Translation Ltd as a leader in the language services industry catering to the professional services sector, with a special focus on the legal sector. His strategic vision and commitment to excellence have been instrumental in expanding our reach, enhancing our service offerings, and building solid relationships with our esteemed clients.

James’s achievements include the successful implementation of innovative translation technologies, fostering strong client relationships, leading a talented team of professionals, and representing IMD on the governing Council of the Association of Translation Companies. His leadership has not only driven our business forward but also inspired those around him to strive for excellence. No mean feat in the twin-pressured industries of law and localisation.

We are immensely grateful for James’s contributions and wish him continued success in his future endeavours. His impact on the industry is undeniable, and we are confident that he will continue to excel going forward.

Please join us in congratulating James Halstead on his remarkable achievements, thanking him for his effort and dedication at IMD, and wishing him all the best for the future.

“James has made a massive contribution to IMD, and IMD Translation really wouldn’t be where it is now without him. I am really grateful for everything and wish him all the very best going forward” – Marcin Durlak, Manging Director

“I’m very proud of all involved in the huge amount of work that has allowed IMD Translation to grow and streamline it into what it is today: a highly regarded, competent, and specialised LSP with an excellent reputation in the UK language and legal industries.” – James Halstead MCIL CL, General Manager

The Limitations of Official Languages

Some governments and international organisations designate official languages to facilitate communication, administrative processes, and legal documentation. For instance, Bolivia recognises 37 official languages, whereas the Australia recognises none. However, even where there is an officially recognised language, linguistic diversity and cultural nuance often necessitate additional language support.

• Business and Trade: According to Common Sense Advisory (CSA Research), 76% of consumers prefer purchasing products with information in their native language. In the EU, businesses operating in multiple countries require translation services to engage local markets effectively. The European Commission’s “Special Eurobarometer 386” found that 90% of internet users prefer websites in their native language.
• Public Services and Accessibility: Official languages may exclude linguistic minorities. The UK Office for National Statistics (ONS) reports that over 4 million UK residents speak a language other than English at home. Public sector translation ensures access to healthcare, legal services, and education for non-native speakers.
• Legal and Administrative Barriers: In multilingual regions such as Belgium (3 official languages) and Switzerland (four official languages), legal translation is crucial. Eurostat data indicates that 45% of Europeans struggle with understanding official documents in a non-native language.

Case Study: Spain’s Multilingual Approach

Spain provides a clear example of how official languages alone do not fully accommodate linguistic diversity. While Spanish is the official national language, regional languages such as Catalan, Basque, and Galician are widely spoken and legally recognised. The European Commission highlights that businesses and governmental institutions in Spain must localise content to effectively reach local populations. This includes providing translation and interpreting services for public administration, healthcare, and education.

The Role of Translation and Localisation

Translation and localisation services address the limitations of official languages by:

• Adapting content for cultural relevance and linguistic accuracy.
• Enhancing customer engagement and trust in international markets.
• Ensuring compliance with legal and regulatory frameworks in different jurisdictions.
• Supporting multilingual education and public service access.

Conclusion

While official languages provide a structured means of communication on a certain level, they are often insufficient in diverse linguistic environments. Businesses, governments, and institutions benefit from professional translation and localisation services to bridge communication gaps with their intended audiences. The demand for multilingual content underscores the need for investment in linguistic services, ensuring inclusivity and market accessibility.

If you have a message you require translating, be it for business, informational, or legal purposes, get in touch with IMD Translation today at info@imdtranslation.co.uk or 03309121530 to discuss your language needs.

Legal language relies on precision, clarity, brevity, and clearly defined terms of reference to prevent unwanted and often potentially disastrous consequences for the lawyer and their client. 

Some of the major methods used to translate documents include literal translation, free translation, the functional approach to translation, transliteration & transcription, loan translation, adaptation, description by definitions, lexical expansion, and descriptive substitution. 

Legal language is considered a “language for a special purpose” (LSP) (Mattila 2006). This means there is a specific style to this language which is unlikely to be comprehensible to the general public. Mattila describes legal language as “an instrument for achieving justice, communicating messages of legal significance, bolstering the authority of the law and creating a shared identity among lawyers”. Bhatia (1993) considers legal discourse “notorious for its complexity, repetitiveness and tortuous syntax”. There are of course a number of legal “languages”, each with their own characteristics. Judicial decisions, the language of the courtroom, the wording of legal documents such as Wills, Contracts, etc and the wording of Statutes are all quite distinct to the trained eye.

From these definitions, it’s easy to see how simple word-for-word translations are unlikely to be satisfactory. How, then, are legal texts translated? What methods are employed?

Borrowing

Not strictly a translation method, this occurs when a word is “borrowed” or “loaned” from one language by others. Shadenfreude being an example of a German “loan-word” word borrowed by English.

Calque

This is where a word or phrase is borrowed but then its elements are literally translated. Fin de Semaine from the English Weekend, for example.

Literal Translation

As the name suggests, this is literal word-for-word translation. 

Transposition

This involves replacing one word with another similar word, without altering the overall meaning. 

Modulation

This involves changing the perspective while adjusting the meaning. For example, in French we speak of the “last stage” of a building (dernier étage), whereas in English we speak of the “top floor”.

Equivalence

This involves using an equivalent expression to preserve meaning. Similar to adaptation. The English phrase “dressed up to the nines” in French would often be said instead as “On one’s thirty one” (être sur son trente et un).

Adaptation

This is perhaps the loosest translation technique, and involves the preservation of the central message, while surrounding elements are translated for the target culture.

These are just an overview of the techniques required to translate any work, legal or otherwise, and it’s easy to see the complexity brought about by even the simplest documents. A legal translator must be fluent in both languages AND have a familiarity with both legal systems, as well as legal concepts generally. If you’d like to find out more about how IMD Translation can help you serve your clients better, please get in touch. 

But what does this mean for you, the customer? In this article, we’ll look at the history and meaning of these certifications and how they guarantee that IMD Translation provides a best-in-class legal translation solution for you.

What is ISO 17100?

ISO17100 specifies certain requirements for the translation process, resources and other aspects necessary for the delivery of a quality translation service. This is an internationally recognised standard for translation services.

It also sets out requirements for parties involved in the process to possess certain competencies and qualifications.

ISO 17100 only applies to translation and not to interpretation.

In order to conform to the standard, the translation services provider must:

1. Ensure linguist competence – by ensuring linguists used are appropriately skilled, qualified, and experienced
2. Translate the document – including having the document reviewed by the translator.
3. Review the work – if project specifications include, this is done by a different, qualified translator or editor and must be bilingual to check for errors.
4. Proofread – if  project specifications include, a final proofread and check for accuracy and flow in the target language
5. Verification – a systemic quality check process by a trained project manager to confirm that the project specifications have been met.
6. Review & validation – where project specifications include, the review must assess that the output is fit for its intended purpose and apply any specific terminology if omitted.

What is ISO 9001?

ISO 9001 is not specific to translation service providers. It was originally developed for the manufacturing industry. Since its inception, it has focused less on process management and more on business management. In particular, it now emphasises people, including customers and aims to foster continuous improvement in business processes.

In order to obtain ISO 9001 certification, a business must meet the requirements, which include:

1. Customer Focus
2. Leadership
3. Involvement of People
4. Process Approach
5. System Approach to Management
6. Continual Improvement
7. Factual Approach to Decision Making
8. Mutually Beneficial Supplier Relationship

How do these benefit you as a client of IMD Translation?

ISO17100 guarantees that the service you receive is fit for purpose. It is your guarantee that the work translated is an accurate representation of the original free from error. It ensures that multiple qualified people handle the document and that it is reviewed thoroughly. In short, it is your guarantee that IMD legal comply with international standards and provides an accurate, error-free and high-quality translation service.

ISO 9001 guarantees that we met certain standards as an organisation – and one that you can trust. While theoretically, anyone who is bilingual will be able to translate, ISO 9001 certification guarantees that you are dealing with a reputable organisation focused on its internal practices, processes and people. 

Contact IMD Translation

If you require interpreting or translation services, our expert translators can help you. Our skilled team can translate swiftly and accurately, saving you time and money. We offer a fast turnaround, exceptional accuracy, and high-quality service. To discuss your needs with us today, please get in touch.

In this article, we look at some of the issues which may arise when a lawyer acts in this capacity. 

Is being bilingual enough to act as an interpreter or translator? 

While many lawyers may be bilingual, there is much more to interpreting and translation than simply language skills. It is understandable that lawyers might consider they will be saving their clients money, time, and difficulty by acting as their interpreter or translating documents and witness statements – but this could turn out to be a false economy. 

Interpreters and translators have a very distinct set of skills and a high level of experience. Lawyers who are bilingual can communicate in two languages, but they do not necessarily have the skill to transfer important information between those two languages.  Also, a lawyer who has retained their native language but practices in English may not have a legal understanding in their native language – since they may never have used legalese in that language. They may find it difficult to switch between the two languages as they rarely use their native language in a work context, or may not have the required skills to create a nuanced translation or interpretation in both languages. Furthermore, professional linguists make use of technologies and skills unique to the translation industry to ensure accuracy and speed in their translations, use of these technologies, such as CAT tools, is rare if not non-existent amongst bilingual lawyers, meaning where a bilingual lawyer attempts to complete a specialised and/or lengthy translation, it is likely going to cost them more time and money, not to mention risk to quality, than engaging a professional linguist. 

In most cases, lawyers who are bilingual but not professional translators or interpreters lack the tools, understanding and skill required and could put their client’s case at risk. 

When acting as a solicitor speaking directly to the client, who is interpreting? 

It presents a strange scenario where a solicitor is interpreting for a client, but also asking the client questions and providing advice. It may impact how the solicitor interprets the answers or how the client answers the questions. The solicitor may also have to make decisions about when it is appropriate to interpret the client’s answers verbatim or where a simple gist interpretation is sufficient. These are matters which should be entrusted to a qualified and experienced interpreter. 

Due process issues 

In certain circumstances, a lawyer acting as an interpreter may interfere with due process and Human Rights. The right to an interpreter is an important part of the right to a fair trial, and a defendant must be able to understand the charges made against them and defend themselves. 

When a lawyer is interpreting or translating, are they really doing the best job for their client? 

When a lawyer makes the decision to translate a client’s documents or witness statement, they must question whether they are really doing the best they can for their client. As we know, the outcome of a case can come down to the smallest nuance in language; can you afford to get it wrong? 

Failure to instruct an interpreter or legal translation could result in a complaint to the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) and harm your professional reputation. Even if a client specifically asks for you to translate or interpret for them, it is important to interrogate whether this is the right thing to do and clearly explain to your client the impact it could have on their case. 

IMD Translation – Legal Translation and Interpreting Services 

We understand that you want to provide the best possible service to your clients and give their case the best chance of success. At IMD Translation, we provide high-quality language services with a comprehensive understanding of the legal sector. We promise to meet important deadlines whilst providing accurate legal translations across all legal practice areas.  Contact us today. 

Why is legal translation different?

Translation is a specialist skill. It requires specific training, rather than just bilingualism. Legal translation is even more specialist, as it requires the translator not only to understand multiple languages but multiple legal languages, often referred to as ‘legalese’, and the legal system of each of the jurisdictions. Even territories with the same language and culture can have different legal systems – take the UK as an example, where Scotland has an entirely separate criminal justice system, or China, where Hong Kong has a completely different system to the rest of the country.

Understanding of legalese

Legalese is the language of the law, and it is highly specific to each jurisdiction. Using the UK as an example again, what is ‘tort’ in England & Wales is known as ‘delict’ in Scotland. Only a highly trained and experienced legal translator can accurately translate legalese from the source language into the correct legalese in the target language. Many general translators would fail to understand the concepts in law, which could significantly impact the correctness and quality of your translation. 

It is important that your translator has a good understanding of the sector you operate in. Only a legal translation specialist will fully grasp what you are trying to achieve. It can be frustrating to opt for a cheaper service from a general translation provider, only to have to explain your needs again and again, or worse, send translations back for amendments again and again, or even worse, trusting completely the provider only to have the documents fail at court, because they do not have experience of working in the legal sector.  

Legal translation providers understand the quality and time-sensitive nature of legal translations, and so we tailor our service to ensure we meet client demands. While many other translation providers may promise to meet your deadlines, they may be unfamiliar with the consequences of failing to do so. They may not have the internal set up to guarantee that your translations will not only be on time, but to the quality you need and expect. When you have a tight deadline, receiving a translation that contains inaccuracies, errors or is simply not fit for purpose can be disastrous.

Many legal translations must meet specific legal requirements. As a specialist legal translations provider, we stay up to date with those requirements and work closely with our customers to ensure we meet any such needs for their projects. 

Because we focus solely on legal translation services covering all practice areas, the technology and resources our translators have access to are specifically chosen for their application to legal translation. Whilst many translation service providers use up-to-date technology, we carefully manage our technology and processes to ensure all of our translators have access to what they need to provide the best service to legal sector clients. 

We are ISO 17100 certified, which means that we are dedicated to analysing and improving our internal processes to ensure we always provide the highest quality services to our clients. As legal translations specialists, our services and processes are tailored specifically to meet the demands of legal sector clients. The ISO17100 certification also emphasises the importance  of early collaboration between customer and provider, so we always consult with you to fully understand the needs of your project and agree on quality elements in advance. 

Contact IMD Translation

Here at IMD Translation, we specialise in translating for the professional services, including all legal practice areas. We understand your needs and the challenges you face. To discuss your legal translation project with an experienced member of our team, contact us today. We look forward to assisting you. 

This article looks at what ISO9001 means for those instructing legal translation services. 

What is ISO 9001 Certification?

ISO 9001 certifies that a business is committed to adhering to excellent processes, particularly a Quality Management System (QMS). 

When a company has ISO 9001 certification, the company’s processes and continual improvement of their QMS is monitored in order for them to maintain certification. 

Crucially for those instructing legal translation services, ISO 9001 was designed to help customers identify businesses that are focused on meeting the needs of their customers, improving the quality of their services, and continually analysing and effectively addressing any potential problem areas in the delivery of their services. 

What are the requirements of ISO 9001 certification? 

ISO 9001 certification has strict requirements based on eight specific management principles. Certification must be renewed at least every three years, which means businesses must continually review the following principles within their business. At IMD Translation and Interpreting, we are committed to excellence and invite an external assessment of our processes and certification on an annual basis.

Customer focus

Translation service providers who wish to gain certification must fully understand their customer’s needs and ensure they meet or exceed their requirements. 

Leadership

Service providers must have strong leadership, which means the leaders in the business must clearly define the organisation’s strategy and vision and communicate this to others in the business. 

Involvement of people

The employees in the language translation service must be involved in designing the processes and given responsibility for improving them. All employees must fully understand the level of quality that must be provided to customers, and the people in the business should be given key objectives to work towards. 

Process-based approach

The activities of the legal translation provider must follow clear processes which should be regularly analysed for improvement and efficiency. 

System approach to management 

All language providers’ established processes should be part of an overarching system that allows for greater improvement and efficiency.  

Continual improvement

All aspects of the language service providers’ processes should be monitored, analysed, and continually improved. Any internal audits must be documented, and records must be kept to help improve the system.

Factual approach to decision making

Decision makers should set metrics for collecting information that will allow them to make informed decisions about the business. 

Mutually beneficial relationships

One of the key benefits for customers of ISO 9001 certified translation providers is that customers should be seen as partners, and the business should strive to look to customers to improve their service. At IMD Translation and Interpreting we hold being ‘respectful’ and ‘collaborative’ as core values; we look to understand your linguistic needs and work with you to implement tailored solutions.

What are the benefits of using an ISO 9001 certified legal translation provider? 

When you choose a legal translation provider with  ISO 9001 certification, you are assured of the quality of translation. While this certification focuses on processes and improvements, these can ensure that the translations delivered are on time and of the highest quality. Certified providers follow processes that involve working closely with customers and understanding their needs. However, because they have strict processes in place, every client receives the same high standard of service. 

Here at IMD Translation, our quality management system has received ISO 9001 certification. When you choose to work with us, you can be confident that the service you receive will follow a rigorous process and will be focused on your specific needs and requirements. We have also received ISO 17100 certification, which is specific to the language industry and translation processes.

Contact IMD Translation –  ISO 9001 certified translations

At IMD Translation, we understand the importance of quality when instructing a legal translation and how this may affect the outcome of a case. We guarantee that we will always provide high-quality translations on time. Contact us today.

The art of translating culture

One of the key competencies for legal translators is intercultural competence in a legal context. Here, intercultural competence is the skill of understanding not only the legal system, but the legal system as part of wider society. Fundamentally, the law is created and evolves in line with societal values. As society evolves, so too must the laws by which society is governed.  But what does this mean for legal translators? 

Legal translators must be familiar with the political and social customs of a particular country, region, or locale as well as how they play out in the law. Every word and every sentence a translator uses must be absolutely precise, which means that they must be able to decide on the meaning of every sentence contextually. Really, what this comes down to is being able to understand the real meaning of a phrase – not simply what its literal translation is. The translator must then be able to draft their translation in a way that conveys precisely the same meaning, which makes sense in the target language. Only a translator with such intercultural competency can provide a high-level, accurate legal translation. 

The importance of cultural understanding for business relationships 

We regularly assist law firms with many practice areas related to business, including banking, dispute resolution, intellectual property, private equity, real estate, and litigation. As a result, we routinely see how important cultural understanding is in developing strong business relationships. Closing a deal can be challenging at the best of times, but when you fail to respect the cultural aspects of how another party does business, this can have disastrous consequences. Here are some examples of cultural differences across business regions. 

Japan

If you have clients looking to work in the Japanese market, nuanced and precise Japanese legal translations are essential. Your translations must not only be accurate, but must also navigate the complex system of honorifics contained within the language and convey the polite tone for which Japanese culture is well-known correctly. Without such attention to detail, you could come across as rude or disrespectful. 

China

The Chinese favour harmonious communications without hard selling or confrontation, and place great weight on relationships. If you are working with clients in China, it is essential that you take great care to ensure the right tone and approach in your commercial law communications. All of our Chinese legal translators are native speakers and understand how Chinese people build business relationships. 

Denmark

At the opposite end of the spectrum is Danish culture, where the people like to get straight to the point. Danes generally prefer direct and candid communication with great attention to detail. Only a translator with a comprehensive understanding of Danish culture can ensure that your translations are direct, without being stand-offish. 

Family relationships

In the same way that business relationships are built differently across different cultures, so too are family relationships. Different cultures favour different family models and hierarchy, which can make the translation of family law documents particularly complicated. Our specialist translators can provide exceptional translation services whilst correctly interpreting the meaning behind sensitive matters including financial settlement documents. 

Contact IMD Translation

At IMD Translation, we are pleased to offer fast, reliable and accurate translation services to UK professional service firms. All of our translators are highly qualified in legal translation. They have a native understanding of the language and in-depth comprehension of the regions they work in. We can help you with matters related to family law and probate, commercial law, personal injury, immigration, intellectual property, and criminal law.

Contact us today to get a quote for your legal translation services.