Sworn Translation: From Ancient Civilizations to Modern-Day Turkey and Dubai

From ancient times and up to its modern practice in Turkey and Dubai, sworn translation has played an important role in the history of dissolving communication gaps between cultures and languages, promoting legal, diplomatic, and commercial exchanges at various moments in history. This article will examine the development of sworn translation or legal translation from its antecedents in ancient civilizations to its modern-day practice.

Translation in Ancient Civilizations: Origins

Ancient Egypt

Curiously, translation can be traced back all the way to ancient Mesopotamia and Egypt. Here, professional scribes translated texts from Sumerian and Akkadian into Egyptian, and vice versa. Translators were of such an early importance that they provided the conduit through which trade was conducted, as well as diplomacy for the various city-states and empires.

Classical Greece and Rome

With philosophers like Socrates and Plato, classical Greece gave importance to translation. However, it was taken a step further by the Romans, who codified translation into legal contexts and used translation for treaties and other official documents. The Latin language became, in effect, a lingua franca. Translations of Greek texts were an important feature of Roman legal and educational life.

The Middle Ages

Sworn Translation Comes into Being: Translation took on entirely new dimensions during the Middle Ages, as religious writings became the centrepiece of society. Translations of the Bible-like the German Bible of Protestant reformer Martin Luther-provide key elements for defining cultural and religious identity for this period. Sworn translators also started to appear during that time, mostly in legal and ecclesiastical contexts, because the accuracy of translations was of such crucial importance for questions of faith and law.

The Role of the Church

The Church became a powerful force in the translation practices in that clergy were also sworn translators, who translated legal documents and ecclesiastical writings.

The Renaissance: A New Era for Translation

The turning of the tide in the evolution of sworn translation came with the Renaissance. It was exactly during this period that, together with the revival of interest in the classical texts, translation activity reached new heights: the ancient works were now being translated into Italian, French, and English. It was during this period that formal practices of translation were instituted, and translators came to be recognized for their prime importance in cultural exchange.

Legal and Diplomatic Translation

With the emergence of nation-states, there came an expanded need for legal and diplomatic translations. Now, sworn translators would be necessary to help draft treaties, contracts, and official correspondence, taking into consideration that even minute information of legal language was preserved across languages and legal systems.

The Modern Era: Sworn Translation in Turkey and Dubai

With globalisation, international trade, and migration, sworn translation has developed in modern times. Other countries that have become important business and cultural poles are Turkey and Dubai. For this reason, there is an enhanced demand for sworn translation.

Sworn Translation in Turkey

This has made Turkey, due to its strategic position as a bridge between Europe and Asia, the focal point of translation services. The status of sworn translators is recognized by the Turkish legal system, and their services are increasingly in demand based on the growing need for legal, medical, and technical translations. This makes sense that sworn translators in Turkey need to go through examinations and gain certification by the Ministry of Justice.

Sworn Translation in Dubai 

Being the business hub of the world, Dubai attracts all kinds of people from every part of the world, which increases the demand for translation services. Legality here in Dubai encompasses sworn translation, which becomes highly relevant in many areas, like real estate, health, and immigration. It is very important that sworn translators in Dubai work in a manner provided by the Dubai Courts and ensure that all translations are correct and accepted legally.

The Impact of Technology on Sworn Translation 

With technology sworn translation has taken a dramatic turn for the better, to become more accessible and efficient. In fact, digital tools and software have streamlined processes necessary to give sworn translators the opportunity to work faster with increased accuracy. Online platforms have also made it easier for clients to access sworn translation services rather effortlessly and have torn down geographical barriers. 

AI and Machine Translation

As much as AI and machine translation have gained popularity, they cannot replace the need for sworn translators in legal contexts. The enhanced knowledge of cultural and legal systems, together with certification skills, remains a preserve of human translators. However, technology is useful to assist sworn translators in their work.