Do you think legal translation rates are too high for your pocket? Maybe you’ve never heard of those cases in which a mistake turns into a real economic blow for those who suffer it. In this article we present you with a couple of explanatory cases of legal translation errors that have cost the respective victims very dearly.
The 2011 free trade agreement between the European Union and South Korea
South Korea was due to sign a free trade agreement with the EU, but translation errors delayed it by several months. The Korean version contained 128 serious translation errors and 16 typos, making it impossible for the Commerce Minister to pass the bill. South Korea withdrew from the agreement until a second draft is approved. The delay cost both South Korea and the EU an incalculable amount.
American bombing of Hiroshima in World War II
At worst, legal translation errors can result in tragedy. The National Security Agency in the United States has declassified a document revealing what may have been the biggest translation error in history.
On July 26, 1945, the United States and its allies issued a statement calling for the surrender of all Japanese forces. If Japan had not surrendered, she would have faced “prompt and total destruction.” Prime Minister Kantaro Suzuki responded in a press conference that the Japanese response would be one of “mokusatsu”, or serious consideration. However, mokusatsu can also mean “to ignore with contempt”, and that translation was given to President Harry Truman. Just 10 days later, the Enola Gray dropped an atomic bomb on Hiroshima.
Avoid legal translation errors with LingoYou
Given the potential damage that a small mistake can cause, it is essential to hire the right legal translator. You need someone who not only speaks both languages fluently, but understands the nuances of the legal subfield in which he works.
LingoYou has an extensive network of specialized legal translators who possess global industry expertise. Through careful initial screening, we only select linguists who have in-depth knowledge of the field you need. Once the work is finished, we pass it on to an external proofreader to ensure that the translation is flawless. You will receive accurate and certified translations that guarantee that the transaction runs smoothly, on time and within established budget limits.
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