THE ROLE OF CONTEXT IN LEGAL TRANSLATION: A CASE STUDY OF UZBEK-ENGLISH LEGAL TEXTS

Аннотация

In the domain of legal translation, context is not merely a linguistic adjunct but a critical determinant of meaning, accuracy, and legal equivalence. This article examines the pivotal role of context in translating legal terms from Uzbek into English, using a combination of theoretical analysis and empirical case studies. Drawing on authentic bilingual legal documents and translator interviews, the study reveals how legal meaning is shaped by systemic, cultural, and procedural contexts. The findings underscore the limitations of literal translation and highlight the necessity of a comparative legal approach. This research provides insights into how contextual sensitivity enhances translation quality and contributes to legal clarity in cross- jurisdictional communication. The study concludes with recommendations for translator training and terminology standardization within Uzbekistan’s legal and educational systems. Keywords: legal translation, context, Uzbek-English, comparative law, terminology, equivalence, bilingual legal texts. Introduction. Legal translation operates at the intersection of language and law, requiring not only linguistic fluency but also an in-depth understanding of legal systems, norms, and culture. Unlike general translation, where meaning is often flexible and audience interpretation is more forgiving, legal translation demands absolute precision and fidelity to the source text’s legal function. A single mistranslated term may result in procedural errors, contractual disputes, or violations of individual rights. Thus, legal translation is a high-stakes activity that cannot be separated from the context in which legal language is created and applied. In recent years, global legal systems have become increasingly interconnected through trade agreements, international conventions, migration, and legal harmonization efforts. This integration necessitates accurate and culturally attuned legal translation practices. For countries like Uzbekistan- where legal modernization, judicial reform, and international cooperation are key state priorities-the quality of legal translation plays a strategic role. English, in particular, is gaining importance in Uzbek legal education, diplomacy, and business. However, the transfer of legal meaning from Uzbek into English 157 CURRENT APPROACHES AND NEW RESEARCH IN MODERN SCIENCES International scientific-online conference presents unique challenges due to differences in legal traditions (civil law vs. common law), conceptual frameworks, and language structures. One of the most persistent issues in this field is the lack of attention to context in legal translation. Translators often rely heavily on bilingual dictionaries or word-for-word strategies, which can distort legal meaning when terms lack direct equivalents or when systems encode legal ideas differently. While linguistic accuracy remains important, it is the systemic, cultural, and functional contexts of legal terms that ultimately determine whether a translation is successful in legal communication. This article addresses the crucial but often underestimated role of context in Uzbek-English legal translation. Drawing on theoretical insights and empirical data, the study aims to demonstrate how different layers of context-linguistic, systemic, cultural, and situational-inform translation decisions and affect the quality of legal texts. It analyzes authentic Uzbek-English legal materials and incorporates the perspectives of practicing legal translators to uncover patterns, challenges, and strategies. The overall goal is to show that context-aware translation enhances not only linguistic fidelity but also the legal effectiveness of translated texts. By focusing on the case of Uzbekistan, this research also contributes to broader discussions in legal translation studies, particularly those concerning post-Soviet legal systems undergoing reform and alignment with global legal standards. In doing so, it highlights the importance of legal translation as both a linguistic craft and a legal act-one that must be informed by deep contextual knowledge and a comparative legal mindset. Literature review. Legal translation has evolved from focusing on terminology equivalence to recognizing legal language as deeply contextual and system-bound. Šarčević (1997) stresses that legal translation transfers norms between different legal systems, requiring both linguistic and comparative legal competence (Cao, 2007). The role of context is explored through concepts like Sandrini’s (1999) “legal micro- and macro-contexts” and Biel’s (2014) emphasis on genre and institutional style, showing context as integral to legal meaning. In post-Soviet systems, translation is challenged by hybrid traditions and the need to align Soviet-era terms with international standards (Kocbek, 2008; Chromá, 2011). Uzbekistan faces similar issues, adapting civil law through Anglo-American influences. 158 CURRENT APPROACHES AND NEW RESEARCH I