Exploring the Interdisciplinary Nexus: Translation Studies and Legal Studies

Abstract

This paper explores the intricate relationship between Translation Studies and Legal Studies, two disciplines traditionally viewed as distinct but increasingly recognized for their significant intersections. Translation serves as a crucial bridge in the legal domain, facilitating communication across linguistic and cultural boundaries. Legal translation, encompassing a diverse array of texts from statutes to contracts, presents unique challenges requiring specialized linguistic and cultural expertise. Conversely, legal principles and norms shape translation practices, influencing how translators navigate linguistic ambiguities and cultural nuances while ensuring fidelity to legal concepts. Through an interdisciplinary lens, this paper examines the symbiotic relationship between translation and law, drawing on key concepts and methodologies from both fields. Case studies from various legal contexts illustrate the practical implications of this interdisciplinary nexus, highlighting the challenges faced by legal translators and the strategies employed to overcome them. Moreover, the paper discusses the implications of interdisciplinary collaboration for advancing knowledge, promoting access to justice, and fostering cross-cultural understanding. By embracing interdisciplinary approaches, scholars and practitioners can deepen their understanding of legal communication, translation practices, and the broader implications for legal discourse and practice in an increasingly interconnected world.