Translation and Intercultural Expertise: The Role of Iranian and Turkic Studies in Georgia

This article explores the deep-rooted tradition of specialized language services in Georgia, focusing on the critical roles of Iranian Studies (Persian language) and Turkic Studies (Turkish language) in professional translation, especially in high-stakes environments like legal proceedings and specialized business sectors.

Iranian Studies and Persian Language Expertise

The centuries-old historical, cultural, and economic ties between Georgia and the Islamic Republic of Iran form a solid foundation for the development of Iranian Studies as an academic discipline. Located at a vital crossroad between East and West, Iran’s regional and global significance makes the in-depth, institutionalized study of Iranian civilization a necessity in Georgia.

The Persian Language – A Gateway to Intellectual Heritage

The Persian language, considered for centuries to be the language of poetry, science, religion, and mysticism, has gifted the world's culture with outstanding masterpieces. As Ioane Batonishvili noted: “Persian is praised and sweet to hear in conversation and affectionate talk, and also in poetry.” This poetic and intellectual wealth opens the door to understanding the intellectual and cultural heritage of Iranian civilization. The study of the Persian language and literature implies not only linguistic competence but also the deepening of intercultural understanding, a decisive factor in the modern globalized world.

A Century-Long Tradition of Iranian Studies in Georgia

The teaching of Iranian Studies in Georgia has a century-long tradition. The Persian language has been taught at Ivane Javakhishvili Tbilisi State University (TSU) since the university's founding in 1918—predating, for example, the University of Tehran (founded in 1934). TSU established a Department of Persian Philology in 1939, which today operates as the Department of Iranian Studies and is one of the oldest in the Caucasus region.

Today, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral programs in Iranian Studies are offered at four Georgian universities (TSU, Iliauni, KSU, and UG). This academic focus is driven by Iran’s cultural and civilizational role, its political and economic potential, and the expanding prospects for cooperation in tourism, transport, and trade. Graduates find diverse employment in education, research, the public sector, business, and, critically, literary and specialized translation.

The Interpreter and the Judicial Process

The right to use an interpreter is not only a right of defense but also a necessary prerequisite for the proper administration of justice. All participants in the judicial process benefit from an interpreter's services. As the European Court of Human Rights has repeatedly stated, Article 6(3)(e) guarantees the right to the free assistance of an interpreter.

This right to accessible translation services extends not only to oral statements but also to any documentation and pre-trial processes. An effective translation service must enable the defendant to understand the charges, defend themselves, and present their version of events.

"Delta Translation Group" cooperates with highly qualified Persian language interpreters who specialize in the translation of legal, technical, economic, medical, and diplomatic texts. These specialists are proficient in the structures of both modern and classical Persian and are excellently versed in the cultural and terminological specifics of the region.

Our interpreters ensure:

• Accurate and contextually consistent translation between Georgian, English, and Persian languages.

• Official, notarized, and court translations of documents.

• Oral interpretation (consecutive and simultaneous) for negotiations, business meetings, and international events.

• Specialized terminological support in the fields of law, commerce, and investment documentation.

Turkish Language Translation and Core Linguistic Principles

Translation services also encompass the Turkish language, which is vital given Georgia's close ties with Turkey. Translation into Turkish—from Georgian to Turkish and vice-versa, with notarization—is carried out by professional Turkish language specialists at the "Delta Translation Group." These experts possess both expert linguistic knowledge and the relevant subject-specific terminology (for legal, technical, economic, and other texts).

The Translation Process

The translation workflow emphasizes accuracy and quality assurance:

• Document Receipt and Analysis: Defining text type, complexity, and deadlines.

• Professional Translation: Ensuring accuracy of meaning and style.

• Editing and Terminological Check: Verifying consistency and compliance with the source document.

• Delivery: Providing the final form electronically and/or in hard copy (with notarization, if required).

For More: https://www.delta.org.ge/en