sign a document

[marwa2308]

 Hello community,
I have a client who wants me to sign a document stating that I gave an accurate and professional translation. Is it safe and acceptable to do it?
Thank you for your answers

[millermelanie]

Why would you be reluctant to sign it? Just curious. I'm interested in knowing if anyone can tell us of any hidden dangers in this I am not aware of. I can't imagine any, but I'm a bit naive in the business world.

[104d1c90]

Hi, Omar:

Accurate is one thing. That doesn't require a lot of clarification in 99.9% of cases.  "Professional," however, may — and likely does — require some.  For example, how is the word "professional" being defined in context of this job?  That definition is likely where any potential pitfall would be located.

That said, what was the job in question?  And has the client defined for you what *they* deem "professional" for the project?

Best,

Erin

[martina_plaschka]

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Omar H wrote:

 Hello community,
I have a client who wants me to sign a document stating that I gave an accurate and professional translation. Is it safe and acceptable to do it?
Thank you for your answers

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 He could hold you accountable in a court of law if your translation led to any situation where he suffered damages. If you are a court-certified translator, I would definitely do it. 

[marwa2308]

 I'm not a court-certified translator,so I should refuse to sign it?

[104d1c90]

Well, you completely ignored our questions, so we can't help you.  You're not a court-certified translator, so that question has been answered for you. Since you don't want to answer any detailed questions, I suppose you need to make the decision on your own.

Best of luck to you!

Erin

TheVAFirm

[petra_r]

The wording is perfectly standard in the translation world and simply means that you declare that you declare your translation to be an accurate and professional translations to the best of your ability as a professional translator.

As was mentioned previously it also renders you potentially liable if any translation mistakes you make result in harm or loss to anyone.

[jr-translation]

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Petra R wrote:

The wording is perfectly standard in the translation world and simply means that you declare that you declare your translation to be an accurate and professional translations to the best of your ability as a professional translator.

I see these usually by translators that are ATA certified and hand down work to translators with competitive rates. I once received the signed certificate along with the translation I was asked to do. I did not accept the offer but reported that translator to the ATA for violating their terms. 

As was mentioned previously it also renders you potentially liable if any translation mistakes you make result in harm or loss to anyone.

Like in the translation I proofread the other day where you where asked to plug in a device before opening the casing or to "make sure all the mothers are tight"

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[prestonhunter]

re: "I have a client who wants me to sign a document stating that I gave an accurate and professional translation."

If the translation you provided is accurate and professional, I see no reason not to sign a document stating such.