(MENAFN-Khaleej Times) 17 translators in transaction section translation section covers nearly 95 per cent of the overall workload of the translation necessities at the dubai courts and their external court departments
The translation section at the dubai courts is an essential and integral component of the judiciary with its skilled and competent 17-staff cadre. the section’s work is particularly important because a large number of defendants at the courts are expatriates who do not speak arabic.
A translator is the link between defendants who do not speak arabic and the judge and make sure that nothing is lost in translation.
The translator who has taken an oath to be “committed to objectivity and accuracy” conveys literally what the defendant says. the translation section covers nearly 95 per cent of the overall workload of the translation necessities at the dubai courts and their external court departments.
In an interview with khaleej times abdulla al awadi head of the translation affairs section at the dubai courts said: “our translation workforce covers 95 per cent of the workload but we are looking to fill that gap. our translators face obstacles and challenges in a city renowned for its mosaic of different cultures and nationalities.”
The economic boom the city witnessed and the several construction projects that followed led to a flow of manpower into the country. this resulted in an increase in the number of criminal offences and consequently in the workload of the translators al awadi said.
Translators on the go
“as of 2008 we have adopted a new and improved criteria for hiring translators. he (or she) has to speak three languages at least. currently we are facing a shortage of translators to cover all the translation work in the courts here the misdemeanors court in al muraqqabat and the traffic court. we are looking to recruit new translators and encourage our staff to learn new languages.”
A translator has to constantly be on the go. “his (or her) work is not limited to the courts here but also includes other court departments outside. in the courts the translator is always moving from one chamber to another in order to do the job assigned to him. the more languages he knows the more he would be in demand and busy.”
Among the translation staff is a translator for people with special needs. “she is the first person to work in this field in the country. her work goes beyond the courts directorate here and sometimes she takes part in events outside” al awadi said.
The most popular languages in the courts are english urdu and farsi. “we have translators who also speak russian chinese pashtu and french as well.”
Translators as interpreters
Al awadi told khaleej times that he has completed a study on a proposal to facilitate the translation service without the need to attend the court hearings. this will be done through the installation of a cctv (closed-circuit television) system. “the system would spare the translator the need to be present at the court hearing and like an interpreter he can do his job from another location.”
Such a project would help save the time spent by the translator juggling between multiple chambers. “the major challenge we are facing is that the translators are called simultaneously to the court rooms most of the times.
This happens at the peak time from 8.30am to 11am. with the cctv system put in place the translation service will be a click away at a time fixed by the judge.
“the comprehensive study of the project is still awaiting the approval of the dubai courts’ director-general.”
Outsourcing translation
When necessary al awadi’s section seeks the services of translators from the public prosecution. “sometimes we outsource by seeking cooperation from translators working for consulates or other entities for languages such as swahili japanese italian german spanish greek vietnamese ethiopian and other languages.”
The translator whose services are solicited would work temporarily for some hearings and should first take an oath in front of the judge that he would translate accurately. they are paid for their work and don’t have contracts with the dubai courts.
Mistakes in translation is “very rare to none”. “the translation’s standing before the judges prompts a feeling of solemnity and utmost respect where there is no room for mistakes or for the job being taken for granted ... and the translator would deliver an accurate translation like he had committed to when hired.”
Complaints against translators
Al awadi pointed out that his section always welcomes remarks and feedback from the judges or the chief justices. “however we don’t take any instructions from lawyers or litigation parties.”
A translator was replaced once when a conflict of interest was suspected. “in one incident for example a translator was working on a personal status case in which a woman was seeking divorce. the husband spotted him talking to his wife. we were then approached to replace that translator and i responded to the request.”
But at other times the translator himself may seek to be taken off a hearing if he sees that another translator would do a better job. “that would be rare and if any it may happen in cases that somehow involve the use of technical terms or revolve around financial corruption or medical malpractice.”
Mary?khaleejtimes.com
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