Bilingual Lexicographic Resources in Support of Acquiring Legal Terminology for Translation Purposes

The support of bilingual lexicographic resources is crucial in mastering legal terminology both in the target and source language. The present study has focused on Latvian-English and English-Latvian print and online lexicographic resources accessible for all parties interested in acquiring legal terminology in both languages, in particular in the light of the new school reform School 2030 where translation is mentioned among other competences that should be developed already at school. Even though several bilingual legal terminological dictionaries have been published it must be recognised that currently there is no comprehensive Latvian-English-Latvian dictionary of legal terms. At present the success or failure in mastering legal terminology largely depends on the background knowledge of the user. Trends prevailing in the study process as well as in translation practice confirm a marked movement towards the use of lexicographic resources in the digital format. It should be noted that this format also offers considerable advantages in designing dictionaries in respect of their content, volume, structure and user-friendliness. Digital format would allow developing a comprehensive bilingual dictionary of legal terms involving collaboration among legal professionals, terminologists and lexicographers. The microstructure of this dictionary should include labels, definitions, illustrative examples, etc. giving additional information and contexts where legal terms are used, thus providing important information for diverse groups of users – learners, legal professionals, translators and interpreters.