The Inherent Problems of Legal Translation: Theoretical Aspects

Abstract

A theory of legal translation can be overwhelmingly vast. Leading translation theoreticians have asserted that all communication is translation., This view expands translation theory into a comprehensive theory of language.2 On the other hand, the consideration of the close relation between language and the law carries the risk of transforming legal translation theory into a general theory of law. The relation between language and the law is so intimate that it is not far- fetched to say that law is essentially language. Law may be expressed in nonverbal forms, such as traffic lights, sirens or tolling bells.