Certified translation of a fragment of a document – when is it possible? The principle of text integrity

Certified translation (also referred to as sworn translation) of part of a document is a special type of translation required for formal use in offices or institutions. Such translations may pertain to selected parts of a document such as specific pages or sections. However, the most important is for a translation to be compliant with the rule of text integrity. In this article you will learn more about this type of translations and about the rule of text integrity.

What is a certified translation of a fragment of document?

A certified translation of a fragment of document pertains to selected part of a text which is made by a sworn translator with qualifications to translate that has legal effect. Thanks to this, even a part of a larger document, for instance single page or section, can be legally recognised. However, sworn translation must faithfully reflect on the content of the original which means that a document summary or own interpretation is not allowed.

A sworn translator guarantees full compliance of a part of a document translated into a foreign language with the original. Such translation bears the specialist’s seal and his/her register number which confirms the authenticity and full representation of the translated part.

Certified translation of documents and the rule of text integrity

In the case of certified translation of a fragment of document, a translator must observe the principle of text integrity. This means that a translated fragment cannot be a summary or interpretation. Such translation could infringe the original meaning of a text. Translation may cover only a selected page or section of a document but must be made faithfully and in compliance with the original content. For institutions and offices it is of vital importance that translation of a fragment fully conveys the meaning of the translated part, without changes of overinterpretation.

Differences between certified translation of a fragment of document and translation of documents in full

Certified translation of a document fragment differs from translation of an entire document only in the scope of translated text. It also requires following all rules of sworn translation. Contrary to a standard translation, a sworn translator bears civil liability for the quality of a translated part of text and its compliance with the original. Therefore, translated part of a document can be used in official or court procedures in the same way as certified translation of an entire document.

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Why is it worth choosing certified translation of a fragment of document?

Choosing certified translation of a fragment of document is advantageous when a document is extensive and only a selected part, for instance a single page or key section, is needed. Thanks to this, you can avoid costs of full translation and maintain legal validity of the selected fragment. It is important to remember that individual summary or selective translation of documents is not compliant with the rules of sworn translation. Only a professional sworn translator can make such translation in a manner that is recognised by offices and institutions.

Where can you find a professional sworn translator?

If you need to translate a selected part of a document from the English language, do not hesitate to contact the Office of a Sworn Translator of the English Language Jacek Kasprzyk in Wrocław. The office ensures full compliance with the requirements of certified translations. Due to many years of experience in legal and official translation of documents, the office offers translations that fulfil all formal requirements, ensuring that even fragmentary English-Polish translation and Polish-English translation keeps full legal value.

Source: iStock