Guidelines to aid translators produce quality translations in Maltese can now be found in a book launched this evening It-Traduzzjoni tal-Liġi Ewropea, by Peter John Agius, a senior administrator at the general secretariat of the Council of the European Union.

The book explains in detail the political and legal context of the EU and how this affects translation.

All guidelines are substantiated by examples. Some are automatically applied by an experienced and specialised translator. The book is aimed at helping others reach a level of excellence earlier in his career.

Foreign Minister Tonio Borg said during the launch that EU membership had created a translation industry for Malta and hundreds of Maltese were now working in translation at European institutions in Brussels and Luxembourg or as freelancers.

It was calculated that more than 150,000 pages were translated into Maltese each year with the EU’s total expenditure for translation (all languages) surpassing €500 million.

According to a report by the Court of Auditors, it was estimated that each translated page cost around €200 when one considered all the related expenses.

Dr Borg praised Dr Agius’ initiative, which he described as one which honoured Maltese translators and which should assist those involved in this work.

Without translators Europe would not be able to really communicate with the people in their own language but translation would become a useless exercise if it did not serve as a real link between the union and the people.

A translation that was too formalised, for example, could lead the Maltese not to prefer the English version, for example.

So a translator had to ensure that the Maltese in his work could be read well to be of service to the people.