LEGAL TERMINOLOGY TRANSLATION IN THE TRAINING OF LAW STUDENTS: DIFFICULTIES

Abstract

The article presents certain difficulties in translating legal terms in training future lawyers. The translation of legal terminology is a comprehensive process that involves knowledge of grammar, common and legal vocabulary, words and phrases of Latin origin, and others. Definitions of «legal terminology», «legal term» and «legal translation» are highlighted. It is stated that legal translation requires a translator’s awareness of the laws, culture, history, national traditions of the source language and the target language in order to reproduce the source information of the target language adequately and fully. The importance of translation dictionaries of legal terminology is emphasized. It is highlighted that information in the third edition of «Documents of the Consultative Council of European Judges» is available in English and Ukrainian. The educational tutorial “Comparative Judicial Law” in the Ukrainian language, which contains information for a full understanding of the judicial system for translating terms has been analyzed. The difficulties of rendering words of Latin origin, passive voice, and clichés are analyzed on the basis of the court case «Francisco Cunanan Pamintuan, Petitioner v. Department of the Navy». It should be remembered that Latin words and phrases are often not translated. The court-presented examples may be used without modification, however, it is advisable to explain or translate them when using them in foreign language classes. One has revealed the methods of translation of legal terms-realities, which are non-equivalent lexical units, as it is difficult to reflect the national identity of a certain country and to find an equivalent that conveys stylistic and semantic nuances in the text of the source language. It has been made clear how important it is to understand the laws, customs, and culture of both one’s own country and the native speaker’s country. It is emphasized that lawyers who work with foreign clients or help Ukrainians who have partners abroad must understand linguistic problems and know legal terms in the process of communication. It is noted that a promising area for the education of law students is the compilation of explanatory and translation dictionaries, which will also help to further lexicography.