FROM TERMINOLOGY TO TECHNOLOGY: EXPLORING THE CHALLENGES IN FRENCH-ENGLISH LEGAL TRANSLATION

Abstract

Advancements in technology have significantly transformed the field of language processing and translation, enabling machines to handle vast amounts of data and tackle complex linguistic tasks. However, the question remains: can machine translation truly replace human expertise in the translation industry? This question is particularly pertinent in the context of legal translation, where the intricate interplay of language, culture, and law presents unique challenges. Legal language is deeply embedded with socio-cultural nuances, legal traditions, and jurisdiction-specific terminologies that current machine translation technologies struggle to fully comprehend and accurately convey. Relying solely on machine translation in legal contexts can lead to critical misunderstandings and potentially disastrous outcomes. This paper underscores the vital importance of legal translation in maintaining the integrity of legal communication and explores the inherent limitations of machine translation when applied to French-English legal texts. Through a detailed analysis, it highlights the areas where human expertise remains indispensable and advocates for a more cautious and integrated approach to the use of technology in legal translation.