Prism Linguistics provides Latin translation and, on the rare occasions it is asked for, Latin interpreting across Canada. Latin has no native-speaking community, so the work is almost entirely with documents - historical, ecclesiastical, academic and legal records written in Latin - rather than spoken interpreting. Requests come from families researching their history, estates and probate files, universities and religious institutions.
Last reviewed September 6, 2026 by the Prism Linguistics editorial team
Because Latin is not a living community language, requests for spoken Latin interpreting are rare and usually academic or liturgical - reading and explaining a text aloud, or supporting a ceremony - rather than the two-way interpreting a courtroom or hospital needs. Where such a request comes up we treat it as a specialist reading-and-explanation task and confirm the exact purpose before quoting.
For any formal proceeding, what is normally needed is a written translation of a Latin document that can be relied on and put on file, and we will steer you to that rather than to an interpreter. We are a private agency, and we set out honestly what a Latin task does and does not involve so the right service is booked.
Common settings include legal and court interpreting, medical and hospital interpreting, IRCC and Immigration and Refugee Board (IRB) interviews, and police and enforcement work. See all on-site interpreting options or start a free quote.
Latin document translation is the core of this work. The records we see most are Roman Catholic parish registers of baptism, marriage and burial, old diplomas and university records, notarial and land documents, and inscriptions, many handwritten in scripts and abbreviations that a general translator cannot read. We work from the source with a translator experienced in the period and note anything illegible rather than guessing.
We deliver a full English or French translation with a signed Certificate of Translation Accuracy, or a sworn affidavit before a commissioner of oaths where the receiving body asks for one, which is common for probate, citizenship-by-descent and genealogical files. Personal and place names in Latinised form are given with their modern equivalents where known; acceptance ultimately depends on the receiving institution.
For documents rather than spoken interpreting, see certified Latin translation, our full Latin translation services, or general document translation. Every translation moves through our TEP workflow — translation, editing and proofreading by separate linguists — with free revisions.
An interpreter attends in person for hearings, medical appointments and meetings. On-site interpreting
Same-day, often within minutes, for calls, intake and urgent situations. Phone interpreting
Telehealth, remote hearings and sign language, anywhere in Canada. Video interpreting
Simultaneous interpreting for events and multilingual meetings. Conference interpreting
Legal consultations, settlement services and private appointments. Private interpreting
ASL and LSQ interpreting for accessible appointments and events. Sign language
We arrange Latin interpreters in cities across every province and territory — on site in the major centres and by telephone or video everywhere else:
Need documents translated locally? We provide certified Latin translation in the same cities:
Or browse every city we cover.
Latin is the language of ancient Rome and the Roman Empire - no longer spoken as a native language anywhere, but still extensively used in academic, legal, ecclesiastical, and scientific contexts. The Catholic Church uses Latin liturgically, and many Western legal and academic systems retain Latin terminology (de facto, prima facie, habeas corpus). Our Latin translation work is occasional and typically tied to academic documents, historical-records research, and the Catholic Church's marriage- and baptism-record archives, where pre-Vatican-II documents are often in Latin.
Rarely, and only for academic or liturgical purposes such as reading and explaining a text or supporting a ceremony. Latin has no speaking community, so most requests are for written translation. Tell us the purpose and we advise honestly.
Yes. We translate parish registers of baptism, marriage and burial and other period documents, working with a translator used to the handwriting and abbreviations, and note anything illegible rather than guessing.
We provide a certified translation with a signed Certificate of Translation Accuracy, or a sworn affidavit where requested, which these files often need. Acceptance ultimately depends on the receiving institution.
Tell us the language, the setting and the date through our quote form or by phone. We return a written quote with the exact price and turnaround, usually within 60 minutes during business hours, before you commit.
Tell us the setting, the city and the date, and we will confirm a qualified Latin interpreter and a firm price.