The Use of Language Technology in Legal and Medical Translation
Why legal and medical translations are different to any other type of translation
The specialised nature of legal and medical translations is the key factor which makes them different.
Legal Translations:
- Legal translators must have an exhaustive understanding of legal terminology, concepts, and systems to ensure they deliver accurate translations.
- The style and tone of legal content — often based on formality and precision — require a particular approach to maintain legal accuracy.
- Because legal concepts may not be consistent across diverse legal systems, translators need to have localisation awareness of these potential differences.
Medical Translations:
- Language translation in healthcare requires the linguist to have a firm grasp of medical jargon, terminology, and scientific concepts.
- When instructed to translate medical documents, the translator’s accuracy and attention to the minutiae of medical information is crucial in maintaining patient safety and correct treatment decisions.
- The highly technical nature of medical content requires the employment of absolute precision.
For example, literary translations may allow the translator to flex their creative muscles while maintaining the original intent, whereas legal and medical translations prioritise accuracy and specialist knowledge.
How can we utilize language technology in translations for the legal and medical sectors?
Here’s how language technology can be harnessed in legal and medical translations:
Legal Translations:
- Legal documents, contracts, and regulations can benefit from machine translation, saving time and resources, but human review is vital for accuracy.
- The development of specialized glossaries featuring legal-specific terminology will help to enhance translation memory and MT accuracy.
- A combination of MT with visual aids such as graphics and diagrams can aid understanding.
Medical Translations:
- MT can assist non-English-speaking patients not only in understanding medical advice, but also by translating consent forms, discharge instructions, and educational materials.
- While clinicians make increasing use of MT, reliability can be an issue, so human input remains essential.
- MT aids in ensuring patient safety and compliance with legal requirements.
In future, a mix of technology and human expertise will continue to shape both sectors.
The future of language technology
The future of the language technology sector is shaped by numerous key trends:
- AI, powered by machine learning, improves translation accuracy and speed. Neural machine translation systems provide more fluent and natural-sounding translations.
- Real-time voice translation technology facilitates multilingual interaction during international travel, conferences, meetings, etc.
- Businesses seeking global expansion drive demand for localisation because adapting content culturally ensures it resonates with local audiences.
- Video content dominates digital platforms, creating demand for services including subtitling, dubbing, and closed captions to reach audiences worldwide.
- The healthcare, legal, and technology sectors require not only linguistic expertise but also industry-specific knowledge to assist with accuracy and compliance.
- Translation technology tools must adhere to strict data protection standards and observe confidentiality.
- Addressing biases embedded in AI algorithms and maintaining sensitivity to cultural differences remain challenges. Human translation is still required in these areas.
The translation industry continues to evolve through language technology, market demands, and ethical considerations. Nevertheless, the basics remain constant: Bridging human connections across linguistic barriers.
Conclusion
As we’ve seen, there is much to digest when examining the fascinating intersection between language technology and legal and medical translations, along with the evolving role of humans.
Language technology in legal translations:
Machine translation systems assist in translating items such as legal documents, patents, and compliance reports. However, legal texts are complex; they require specialised terminology and cultural nuances. MT helps but isn’t infallible, so human review remains essential for accuracy. As technology develops, MT tools will become more sophisticated, but human expertise will continue to play a critical role in legal translation.
Language technology in medical translations:
MT ensures non-English-speaking patients can comprehend medical advice. It improves patient safety and the understanding of patient rights and treatment pathways. MT provides translated medical documents, consent forms, and educational materials, making health information accessible to diverse populations. They also ensure adherence to local and international laws. Because MT automates routine translations, human translators can concentrate on more complex tasks.
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TW Languages is part of the Future Group, an international translation company with operations in Europe, Middle East, Africa, and Asia. TW Languages Ltd represents an investment initiative by Future Group in the UK market.
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