The profession of a sworn translator of English (or any other foreign language) is an extremely valued and necessary one in this day or age. In a world where the borders are clearly blurring and the opportunities for foreigners to settle, work or do business in Poland are increasing, the help of a specialist of this kind often proves indispensable. So what does the profession of a sworn English translator look like?
What does a sworn English translator involve in?
W artykule
A sworn English translator is a specialist responsible for drawing up certified oral and written translations/interpretations. Translations carried out in this way, so to speak, gain the appropriate legal force – in the case of written content, the same as the original document. Due to the powers at the disposal of a sworn translator of English, he/she becomes a specialist ensuring not only a reliable, correct written translation, but also confirming with his own name and name seal the reliability of the translation executed.
Thus, the services of a sworn English translator should be used when a certified translation of the below mentioned documents is required, for example:
- notarial deeds,
- acts issued by the Registry Office (marriage certificate, death certificate),
- diplomas,
- legal documents,
- medical documents,
- vehicle documents (registration certificate, purchase/sale agreement).
Certified interpreting, on the other hand, accompanies all kinds of legal actions, in which the sworn interpreter becomes a “guarantor,” so to speak, confirming both the foreigner’s understanding of the actions in which he participates and translating statements from and into English. Thus, a sworn translator accompanies people (who do not communicate in Polish) when signing notarial deeds, but can also, at the behest of law enforcement agencies (court, police, prosecutor’s office) and other administrative bodies, carry out certified translations – for example, the testimony of a foreigner. Due to the seriousness of such activities, the interpreter should be fully aware of the duties performed – as in a given situation he/she is often the only link between a person without knowledge of Polish and the environment.
Principles of the sworn translator profesion
The rules for practicing the profession of a sworn translator of English or another foreign language are set forth in the Act of November 25, 2004 on the Profession of a Sworn Translator [Dz.U.2019.1326, i.e.]. According to its provisions, a sworn translator can become a person:
- having Polish citizenship or citizenship of a country belonging to the European Union,
- proficient in Polish,
- who has no criminal record and has full legal capacity,
- has a university degree (in certain situations, the Minister of Justice may exempt a candidate from this obligation),
- obtained a positive result from the state examination for a sworn translator.
The exam mentioned in the last paragraph consists of two parts – written and oral. A candidate for a sworn translator must take each and pass both exams to be able to apply for inclusion in the list of sworn translators, which is maintained by the Minister of Justice.
The right to practice the profession of a sworn translator is obtained upon taking the oath of office and obtaining registration. In carrying out professional tasks, each sworn translator, including English, is obliged to provide service impartially, with professional secrecy, and with the need to improve his qualifications.
It should also be noted that a sworn translator is a person of public trust. He/she takes full responsibility for the provided translations/interpretations – he/she can be held criminally liable for any irregularities.
