THE DILEMMA OF A LEGAL TRANSLATOR: THE IGBO LANGUAGE EXAMPLE

Abstract

Translation generally is a complex and difficult activity. The problems become more complex when two languages are not or are hardly related. Igbo language, spoken in the Eastern part of Nigeria belongs to the Niger-Congo group of languages. Its nature, structure and peculiar characteristics pose great problems for a legal translator. Lack of equivalent legal terms is also another bottle neck. Ambiguity and confusion arise when an equivalent is assigned to a legal term which the concept does not exist in the target language. The English language has virtually specific terms for all legal terms. Igbo language, on the other hand, is very limited because of its generic nature. The thrust of this paper is to identify the challenges faced by an Igbo legal translator and suggest the way forward.