{"id":812,"date":"2023-10-20T10:54:33","date_gmt":"2023-10-20T14:54:33","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.ata-divisions.org\/LawD\/?p=812"},"modified":"2025-02-11T13:09:11","modified_gmt":"2025-02-11T18:09:11","slug":"plain-language-for-clear-and-accessible-legal-translations","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.ata-divisions.org\/LawD\/plain-language-for-clear-and-accessible-legal-translations\/","title":{"rendered":"Plain language for clear and accessible legal translations"},"content":{"rendered":"

By Rebecca Porwit<\/em><\/p>\n

The plain language movement gained traction in the 20th<\/sup> century with a push to simplify legal and government documents. In 1979, the Plain English Campaign was founded in London to combat \u201cgobbledegook, jargon and legalese.\u201d This was also the year Richard Wydick\u2019s Plain English for Lawyers<\/em> was published.<\/p>\n

But why is clear legal writing important?<\/p>\n

Plain language makes texts easy to read, understand, and use, avoiding convoluted language and jargon. It\u2019s especially relevant in legal writing because it helps people understand their rights and responsibilities.<\/p>\n

Some believe that, by using plain language, you sacrifice precision to gain clarity. There\u2019s a fear of \u201cdumbing down\u201d the text. To me, this is a false dichotomy: plain language is actually more precise because it rejects the ambiguities and obscurity of traditional legal writing.<\/p>\n

Law firms, organizations, and agencies around the world are increasingly aware of the importance of producing clear, jargon-free documents. And let\u2019s face it: it\u2019s not only about safeguarding individual rights and freedoms. Plain language is also good for business because it promotes trust.<\/p>\n

Language professionals who understand the principles of plain language are now needed more than ever. In this blog post, I\u2019m going to give you some tips on how to make your English translations clearer and more accessible to non-expert readers.<\/p>\n

Tips for clear legal writing<\/strong><\/p>\n

    \n
  1. Replace the jargon<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    It wouldn\u2019t be a legal text without legalese, right? Actually, you\u2019d be surprised at how much jargon you can avoid without diluting the original meaning.<\/p>\n

    Examples:<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
    Legalese<\/strong><\/td>\nPlain equivalent<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    prior to<\/td>\nbefore<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    herein<\/td>\nin this [agreement, document, etc.]<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    in the event that<\/td>\nif<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    subsequent to<\/td>\nafter<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    notwithstanding the fact that<\/td>\ndespite<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    thereafter<\/td>\nlater<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Note: some legal terminology is difficult to simplify. In these cases, you can add an explanation in brackets or a footnote.<\/p>\n

      \n
    1. Cut the filler<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

      Legal texts are often unnecessarily wordy. Perhaps this is a remnant from when notaries or other drafters of legal documents would charge per word. Thankfully, this practice has pretty much died out (food for thought for us translators?), but padding is still quite common in legal writing.<\/p>\n

      Examples:<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
      Original (Spanish)<\/strong><\/td>\nPossible translation<\/strong><\/td>\nPlain translation<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
      A efectos de la aplicaci\u00f3n de lo dispuesto en este art\u00edculo<\/td>\nPursuant to the application of the provisions of this article<\/td>\nUnder this article<\/p>\n

      -or-<\/p>\n

      Applying this article<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

      En consideraci\u00f3n de lo cual, las Partes han llegado a los siguientes acuerdos:<\/td>\nPursuant to the above, the Parties have hereby reached the following agreements:<\/td>\nIn view of the above, the Parties agree:<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
      Un n\u00famero suficiente de<\/td>\nA sufficient number of<\/td>\nEnough<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

      \u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n

        \n
      1. Break down long sentences<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

        Endless sentences are, unfortunately, a staple of legal texts. When translating into your language, break these down into two or several shorter sentences. Garner (2001) recommends aiming for an average sentence length of 20 words in English writing.<\/p>\n

        Bonus tip: some sentences can be extra short, while some can be long \u2013 as long as you try to keep to that 20-word average. In fact, varying the length of your sentences improves flow and readability.<\/p>\n

          \n
        1. Change the sentence structure<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

          English favors frontloading, which means placing the most important information (generally the subject and the verb) at the beginning of the sentence. Don\u2019t be afraid to change the order of the elements of a sentence to make it more digestible for the reader.<\/p>\n

          Examples:<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n
          Original (Spanish)<\/strong><\/td>\nPossible translation<\/strong><\/td>\nPlain translation<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
          Tras un largo debate, y teniendo en cuenta todos los puntos expuestos anteriormente, los consejeros adoptaron un acuerdo<\/td>\nAfter a long debate, and taking into account all the points set out above, the board passed a resolution<\/td>\nThe board passed a resolution after a long debate, taking into account the above points<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
          Solo mediante acuerdo escrito entre las Partes podr\u00e1 el Empleado trabajar horas extra<\/td>\nOnly by way of a written agreement between the Parties may the Employee work extra hours<\/td>\nThe Employee may only work extra hours if the Parties agree in writing<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

           <\/p>\n

            \n
          1. Use the active voice<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

            The active voice is usually more concise and easier to process for the reader. It makes your writing crisper and more direct. It also clears up ambiguity by specifying the subject of the sentence.<\/p>\n

            Bonus tip: don\u2019t forgo the passive voice completely. Sometimes, it\u2019s preferable to the active voice, and variety enhances your writing.<\/p>\n

            Examples:<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n
            Original (Spanish)<\/strong><\/td>\nPossible translation<\/strong><\/td>\nPlain translation<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
            la decisi\u00f3n fue tomada por las Partes<\/td>\nthe decision was taken by the Parties<\/td>\nthe parties decided<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
            se resolvi\u00f3 por parte del Juzgado<\/td>\nthe decision was taken by the Court<\/td>\nthe Court decided<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

             <\/p>\n

              \n
            1. Avoid nominalization<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

              Spanish legal writing is full of nominalization, while single verbs are preferred in English (especially plain English).<\/p>\n

              Examples:<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
              Nominal construction<\/strong><\/td>\nVerb equivalent<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
              provide a description of<\/td>\ndescribe<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
              give a response to<\/td>\nrespond<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
              provide a justification for<\/td>\njustify<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
              conduct an examination of<\/td>\nexamine<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
              be in violation of<\/td>\nviolate<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

               <\/p>\n

                \n
              1. Use the possessive instead of \u201cof the\u201d<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

                Another way to clean up your writing is to turn prepositional constructions into possessive forms.<\/p>\n

                Examples:<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
                Prepositional construction<\/strong><\/td>\nPossessive<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
                the decision of the court<\/td>\nthe court\u2019s decision<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
                the arguments of the Parties<\/td>\nthe Parties\u2019 arguments<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
                the reasoning provided by the judge<\/td>\nthe judge\u2019s reasoning<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
                the risk profile of the company<\/td>\nthe company\u2019s risk profile<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

                \u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

                  \n
                1. Be ruthless with doublets and triplets<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

                  Legal writing is full of traditional phrases that are redundant \u2013 no need to reflect this redundancy in our translation.<\/p>\n

                  Examples:<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
                  Original (Spanish)<\/strong><\/td>\nPossible translation<\/strong><\/td>\nPlain translation<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
                  guarda y custodia<\/td>\ncare and custody<\/td>\ncustody<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
                  se cita, llama y emplaza a<\/td>\nare served notice, summoned, and called to<\/td>\nsummoned<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
                  debemos condenar y condenamos<\/td>\nwe must sentence and hereby sentence<\/td>\nwe sentence<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
                  se personen y comparezcan<\/td>\nto appear and be present<\/td>\nto appear<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
                  as\u00ed lo pronuncio, mando y firmo<\/td>\nI do so decide, order and sign<\/td>\nordered and signed<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
                  en nombre y representaci\u00f3n de<\/td>\nin the name and on behalf of<\/td>\non behalf of<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

                   <\/p>\n

                    \n
                  1. Avoid \u201cshall\u201d<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

                    At best, it sounds stuffy and alienates your reader. At worst, it\u2019s ambiguous and can get you in trouble.<\/p>\n

                    \u201cShall\u201d has many possible meanings in legal documents: obligation, future intention, status\u2026 and that ambiguity creates risk.<\/p>\n

                    In general legal writing, one solution is to restrict the meaning of \u201cshall\u201d to \u201chas a duty to.\u201d However, this can still lead to confusion \u2013 is everyone on the same page? Would you have to add a disclaimer?<\/p>\n

                    In plain legal writing, it\u2019s best to avoid it altogether because there are perfectly good alternatives (like \u201cmust\u201d or \u201cwill\u201d).<\/p>\n

                    Examples:<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
                    Original (Spanish)<\/strong><\/td>\nPossible translation<\/strong><\/td>\nPlain translation<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
                    El Vendedor deber\u00e1 entregar<\/strong> las mercanc\u00edas en un plazo de 10 d\u00edas<\/td>\nThe Seller shall<\/strong> deliver<\/strong> the goods\u00a0 within a period of 10 days<\/td>\nThe Seller must<\/strong> deliver<\/strong> the goods within 10 days<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
                    En este Contrato, \u201cServicio\u201d tendr\u00e1 el siguiente significado<\/strong><\/td>\nIn this Agreement, \u201cService\u201d shall have the following meaning<\/strong><\/td>\nIn this Agreement, \u201cService\u201d means<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
                    Este Contrato se regir\u00e1 por la legislaci\u00f3n de<\/td>\nThis Agreement shall be governed<\/strong> by the laws of<\/td>\nThis Agreement will be governed<\/strong> by the laws of<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
                    Nadie podr\u00e1 utilizar<\/strong> el instrumento sin autorizaci\u00f3n previa<\/td>\nNo one shall use<\/strong> the instrument without prior authorization<\/td>\nNo one may use<\/strong> the instrument without prior authorization<\/p>\n

                    -or-<\/p>\n

                    Do not use<\/strong> the instrument without prior authorization<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

                     <\/p>\n

                    Final thoughts<\/strong><\/p>\n

                    Complexity and ambiguity make more room for error and misinterpretation. They create avoidable risks.<\/p>\n

                    Clear language forces you to get to the truth of what is being said because you can\u2019t hide behind any wordy or vague rhetoric. It forces you to understand, exactly, who is doing what.<\/p>\n

                    Plain legal language empowers people and promotes accessibility. It\u2019s also more persuasive and better for business.<\/p>\n

                    I hope my tips help you with your plain English legal translations. And why not apply some of these principles to your regular translation work, as well? Let\u2019s do our part to promote clear legal communication everywhere.<\/p>\n

                    Sources and further reading<\/strong><\/p>\n

                    Garner, Bryan A. (2001). Legal writing in plain English: a text with exercises<\/em>, University of Chicago Press<\/p>\n

                    Lunn, Rob (2018, March 8). \u201cShall\u201d, \u201cmust\u201d or something else for obligation in legislation and legislation-type documents?<\/em> Legal Trans. https:\/\/legalspaintrans.com\/legal-translation\/shall-must-or-something-else-for-obligation-in-legislation-and-legislation-type-documents\/<\/a> (accessed July 30, 2023)<\/p>\n

                    Nguyen, Tran (2015, January 22). Plain English Vocabulary<\/em>, Academic and Legal English. https:\/\/acalegalenglish.wordpress.com\/2015\/01\/22\/3\/<\/a> (accessed July 30, 2023)<\/p>\n

                    The Plain Language Action and Information Network (PLAIN). https:\/\/www.plainlanguage.gov\/<\/a> (accessed July 30, 2023)<\/p>\n

                    Wikipedia contributors (2023, July 27). Legal doublet<\/em>, Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Legal_doublet<\/a> (accessed July 30, 2023)<\/p>\n

                    Wydick, Richard C. (2005). Plain English for Lawyers (Fifth Edition)<\/em>, Carolina Academic Press<\/p>\n

                     <\/p>\n

                    About the author<\/strong><\/p>\n

                    \"\"<\/p>\n

                    Rebecca Porwit is a legal and financial linguist based in Tenerife (Spain). She grew up multilingual, speaking English, Spanish, and Estonian and is an advocate for clear human communication.<\/p>\n

                    When not translating and editing texts for her clients, she tutors students on the legal and financial translation courses of Academia de los Grandes Traductores<\/a>. She also does volunteer work for Asetrad <\/a>and MET<\/a>.<\/p>\n

                    Visit Rebecca\u2019s website<\/a> and LinkedIn profile<\/a>.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

                    By Rebecca Porwit The plain language movement gained traction in the 20th century with a push to simplify legal and government documents. In 1979, the Plain English Campaign was founded in London to combat \u201cgobbledegook, jargon and legalese.\u201d This was also the year Richard Wydick\u2019s Plain English for Lawyers was published. But why is clear […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":817,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_genesis_hide_title":false,"_genesis_hide_breadcrumbs":false,"_genesis_hide_singular_image":false,"_genesis_hide_footer_widgets":false,"_genesis_custom_body_class":"","_genesis_custom_post_class":"","_genesis_layout":"","_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[272,266],"tags":[207,191,56,86,127,206,205,50,192],"class_list":{"0":"post-812","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-lawd-expert-insights","8":"category-lawd-guest-expert-insights","9":"tag-jargon","10":"tag-legal-jargon","11":"tag-legal-spanish","12":"tag-legal-translation","13":"tag-legal-writing","14":"tag-legalese","15":"tag-plain-language","16":"tag-spanish","17":"tag-spanish-translation","18":"entry"},"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/www.ata-divisions.org\/LawD\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/Brown-Minimalist-Welcome-To-My-Blog-Blog-Banner-1-scaled.jpg","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.ata-divisions.org\/LawD\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/812","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.ata-divisions.org\/LawD\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.ata-divisions.org\/LawD\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.ata-divisions.org\/LawD\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/4"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.ata-divisions.org\/LawD\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=812"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/www.ata-divisions.org\/LawD\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/812\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":816,"href":"https:\/\/www.ata-divisions.org\/LawD\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/812\/revisions\/816"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.ata-divisions.org\/LawD\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/817"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.ata-divisions.org\/LawD\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=812"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.ata-divisions.org\/LawD\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=812"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.ata-divisions.org\/LawD\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=812"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}