The History of Sworn Translation: From the Pen to the Click
Sworn translation was not born out of modern bureaucracy. It is a figure that has existed for centuries and has evolved alongside states, laws, and their procedures. What is most striking is that, despite the great leaps it has made, its function has never changed; to certify that a translation conveys the same meaning as the original.
In this article, we review the most significant milestones that have marked the history of a profession that goes far beyond translating words. Because, in the end, it also translates trust, legality, and responsibility.
The Birth of the Need: When Language Becomes Legal
The need to translate official documents goes way back. Far back. Just imagine treaties between empires or commercial contracts in antiquity to realize this. However, the figure of the sworn translator, as we understand it today, took time to appear.
In the Middle Ages, translations were informal, many of them linked to religious contexts, but as states modernized, international trade grew, and law became globalized, an inevitable demand emerged: the legality of translations.
19th Century: The First Steps Toward Official Recognition
It was in the 19th century that the figure of the sworn translator began to gain its own identity, especially in Europe. In Spain, a Royal Decree in 1857 marked the official beginning: it recognized the need for certain translations to be signed and sealed by a professional authorized to do so.
This step not only professionalized the practice but also added legal weight that persists to this day. It was no longer enough to translate well; now it had to be done with rigor, accuracy, and responsibility. No embellishments or interpretations. Every word mattered.
The Digital Era: When the Seal Became a PDF
Digitalization has also reached this corner of the legal-linguistic world. Although there are still institutions that require a printed version with a signature and seal, it is increasingly common for sworn translations to be accepted digitally, signed with an electronic certificate.
This change accelerated after the pandemic. Suddenly, it became normal to send translations via secure mail, sign them digitally, and store them in the cloud. The challenge has been to ensure that this new method of delivery maintains the same validity and traceability as physical documents.
What’s Next? Blockchain, AI, and the Future of Sworn Translation
Now, let’s look to the future. Some new technologies such as blockchain and artificial intelligence have revolutionized sworn translation. These tools are becoming increasingly precise, however, no matter how refined these technologies become, assuming legal responsibility for a translation does not fall within their capabilities, and it probably never will.
Conclusion: From the Pen to the Click, But Always with Rigor
From ancient manuscripts to digital documents with electronic signatures, sworn translation has adapted to all times. It has survived reforms, technological innovations, and social changes without losing its essence: to be the legal bridge between languages.
Because in the end, although formats change, some things remain constant. And one of them is the need for someone to certify, professionally and with all guarantees, that what is said in one language corresponds to what was said in another. As long as that need exists, the sworn translator will continue to play an essential role.