THINKING ITALIAN TRANSLATION 137

Similarly, translating birth, marriage and death certificates causes a series of problems in layout, content and terminology, due to the physical and legal differences between the documents in the respective languages. Consequently, when translating a birth certificate, for example, it is always useful to have a British one to hand, for broad terms of reference.

Finally, as with any text in any genre, it is important to bear in mind the purpose and readership of the TT when translating documents, as this will inform the strategy adopted in tackling cultural issues, such as lack of equivalent institutions or instruments, lack of equivalent terminology, presence or absence of features such as capitals, abbreviations, notes, Latinisms, etc. The TT of a legal or financial text created for information purposes is potentially more flexible as a medium than one which will be used in court or in a legal action. It is also important to gain as much information as possible about the situation in which a text has originated, particularly if it is being used in a legal action or is the subject of controversy or dispute. Texts are never produced in a vacuum: the more that is known about the subject matter of the ST, the better the TT will be.

PRACTICAL 13

13.1

Official and legal translation

Assignment

After class discussion of problems encountered in translating the `NamibiaNapoli' text on pp. 138±9, compare your TT with that of an expert, which will be given you by your tutor.

13.2

Official and legal translation

Assignment

After class discussion of problems encountered in translating the `Decreto' text on pp. 142±3, compare your TT with that of an expert, which will be given you by your tutor.