Certification of Turkish into English Translations
Certified translations hold significant legal weight, but the methods used to certify them differ between the UK and Turkey, reflecting differences in legal systems and cultural expectations regarding the validity of translated documents.
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In the UK, the approach to certifying translations is relatively flexible. Anyone can certify a translation by adding a statement asserting their belief in their ability to do so accurately. The certification must include the date, the certifier’s signature, and contact details, along with a statement of truth about the accuracy of the translation. However, certification by a professional translator or a chartered linguist is preferred and more credible. While legally permissible, certification by individuals outside these groups is often viewed with scepticism due to concerns about the certifier’s linguistic competence and translation accuracy.
In contrast, Turkey adheres to a more formal procedure. Only sworn translators, who are officially recognised and registered, have the authority to certify translations. This certification often requires an additional layer of validation—a notary attest. The notary public confirms the translator’s identity, ensuring that the signature on the document belongs to a registered sworn translator. This step is crucial because it links the accountability of the translation directly to the translator’s professional and legal standing. While banks and some entities in the private sector may accept translations certified solely by translators, legal requirements generally dictate that a notary attest is necessary to affirm the authenticity of any signature on legal documents.
These practices highlight the varying levels of formality and scrutiny involved in translation certification in each country. In Turkey, notarisation is crucial to ensure that certified translations are accurate and traceable to a specific, accountable professional. In the UK, while the system is more lenient, certification from someone outside the professional community of linguists or translators may be questioned, impacting the document’s acceptance in formal settings.
Turkish into English Certified Translations: Validity
Understanding the validity of certified translations is essential when dealing with legal, governmental or corporate matters in different countries. The requirements for translation validity differ significantly between the UK and Turkey, reflecting each country’s legal frameworks and administrative practices.
In the UK, certified translations completed by Chartered Linguists are generally accepted for all purposes across various sectors. Certifications by Chartered Linguists are recognised and valid for use before public organisations such as the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI), the National Health Service (NHS), Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs (HMRC), or within judicial contexts like the Courts and Tribunals Service and the Crown Prosecution Service. However, if the certified translation is intended for use outside the UK, it typically requires an apostille stamp to confirm its international authenticity. The translation must first be certified by a notary public to obtain this stamp, a prerequisite for the apostille process. This extra step ensures the translation adheres to international legal standards, particularly under the Hague Apostille Convention.
Similarly, in Turkey, the process emphasises the role of sworn translators, whose certifications are necessary for wide acceptance within the private sector, including by banks. However, an additional layer of certification is required for all official purposes, namely, a notary attest. This notarisation confirms that a registered sworn translator executed the translation and meets the formal standards set out by Turkish law. For documents intended for international use, such as those needed by overseas authorities or institutions, the translation must also receive an apostille stamp, which can be obtained from local governmental offices such as the county governor’s offices (kaymakamlik) or the governor’s office (valilik). This certification confirms that the document adheres to international legal standards.
These structured processes in both countries ensure that translations meet national requirements and undergo scrutiny under international regulations, reflecting a commitment to both authenticity and legal compliance.
