Interpreter training and the requirements of the sworn translator state examination

Abstract

Beyond the self-evident knowledge of source and target languages, the sworn translator has to specialise in translation of legal and official documents, and to have perfect knowledge of the law and judicial procedures. The sworn translator is obliged to execute translations with special care, keeping fidelity to the original text in accordance with translation rules as well as formal and legal principles of legal translation. Moreover, interpreting provided for state bodies (courts of justice, the police, public prosecutor’s office, etc.) requires from the sworn translator, among others, the ability to concentrate for a long time, good memory (particularly short term memory), good pronunciation, ability to comprehend and analyse texts, and rhetorical skills. Special skills are required to cover such a broad range, including general knowledge and cultural competence; these skills are acquired as a result of long-lasting professional instruction. Therefore, translator training is one of those aspects of the professional preparation of the sworn translator that necessitates the redefinition of needs and forms of foreign language teaching at the university level.