Regular and sworn (certified) translation

Regular and sworn (certified) translations are one of the most popular types of translation. You have probably heard the terms “sworn translation” or “sworn translator” more than once – but do you know what they really mean? In this article you will find out what types of translations there are and why sworn translations are such a unique type of translation.

A translation can be defined as the translation of an expression from the source language into the target language – it consists of the entire translation process and the result itself in the form of a translated text. The term “translation” is used more often in the context of a literary or written translation itself, however, the term “translation” can also be used more broadly.
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Regular and sworn (certified) translation

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Types of translations

There are many types of translations. First of all, the division of translations can be presented according to their form or domain. A domain is nothing more than the range of topics the text refers to.
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Classification of translations according to their form:

  • Written translation – the most common type of translation. It focuses on translating text from the source language into the target language and is considered to be one of the simpler forms of translation. For a translator, this process can be quite a challenge. In addition to languages that differ in terms of grammar, phonology and vocabulary, the translator must take into account the cultural differences, style and domain of the text.
  • Oral translation – a more diverse type of translation that focuses on interpreting a message in the source language into a message in the target language.
  • Simultaneous oral translation/interpreting – interpreting without any previous preparation. The interpreter translates the speaker on an ongoing basis. The speaker speaks fluently without pausing for the interpreter with a delayed of a few seconds. Sometimes, specialized equipment and rooms are used for this type of translation (also called booth/whisper interpreting).
  • Consecutive interpreting – this type of interpretation occurs mainly during ceremonial speeches. Contrary to simultaneous interpreting, the interpreter does not say the translation immediately after the speaker’s speech. The interpreter listens to a part of the speaker’s speech while taking notes. The speaker then pauses his/her speech and gives the interpreter time to translate the part of the speech that was just spoken.
  • A vista translation – this is not a full translation or interpretation. It is based on an immediate oral translation of a written text. It is also a type of translation that does not allow for the translator to prepare ahead of time. This type of translation is often found in situations related to the law and commissioned by offices.
  • Machine translations – are created in the process of translation automatically generated by computer programs. The software analyzes the source text and translates into the target text without human intervention. This translation method is most commonly used through the means of an online translator.
  • Audiovisual translation – a translation that appears in audiovisual works and productions. It is found in most movies, TV shows, computer games or even theater productions.
  • Translation of subtitles for films – translation of the statements of actors appearing in the film in the form of subtitles, which usually appear at the bottom of the screen simultaneously with the statements of the speakers.
  • Voice-over – this form is most often found in Poland, also known as a “reader”. The statements appearing in the film are translated by the reader who reads his lines with a slight delay. To make it easier for the recipient to understand the voiceover, the original soundtrack is quieter.
  • Dubbing – this type of translation is similar to a voice-over. However, they are distinguished by the fact that usually the voice of each actor is translated by a different reader. As a result, after the translation is recorded, the movie sounds as if it was originally shot in the target language. The original source language soundtrack is removed from the final product completely.
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As you can see, translations have many faces. There are many forms in which translations can occur and, in fact, they appear in our everyday life all the time.  However, there are two other types of translations that deserve their own category:

  • Specialized translations – distinguished by the use of complex terminology, which requires impeccable knowledge of the sector in which the translated text is from. Translating an economic text could be very time-consuming and difficult for a translator who has nothing to do with economics, which is why translators who deal with specialized translations choose the domains in which they specialize. Such a domain can be, for example, medical, scientific, legal or economic. There are many domains, but it is the translator who decides whether or not to translate a given topic.
  • Sworn translations – they focus on the translation of various types of legal documents. These are translations used in court and with notaries – certificates; wills; death, marriage and birth certificates.
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Certified translation

A more formal name for a sworn translation is “certified translation”, but due to the fact that certified translations are completed by a sworn translator, sworn translation has become a more commonly used name.  Sworn translations are classified as a separate group of translations, mainly due to the formalities that characterize this type of translation.

It is worth mentioning that to become a sworn translator, you must pass the state examination – after passing, the translator is sworn in by the Minister of Justice and is entitled to a seal and the right to provide certified translations. He/she is also entered in the register of sworn translators. Such a person must also have at least a master’s degree or an equivalent degree and have no criminal record. Authentication by a sworn translator is a type of legal certification and is required for documents such as legal acts, notarial acts, medical certificates, and certificates and diplomas. It is the only type of translation that allows documents written in the source language to retain their legal validity after being translated into the target language.

Obviously, due to the nature of sworn translations, the translators performing these types of translations have an extremely high professional responsibility. Although the substantive value in sworn and ordinary translations does not differ in any particular way, it is the legal value of certified translations that is their greatest value.
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Standard and sworn translation

You’ve already learned about the types of translations in theory, but if you want to see how we handle translations in choices®, check out our translation offer. In choices®, we work with several hundred specialists from every part of the world who work in the areas of their choice. On a daily basis, we work with native speakers of the target languages as well as linguists and specialists who are the best in their field. We know how important elements of culture and tradition are in international communication, because even the shortest word in a text can have the greatest power. Our mission is to translate documents that will sound as good as they do in their original.

Julia Hładki

English philology graduate. Workaholic constantly concerned with her personal development, who escapes to the book world of fantasy in her spare time.
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