Every year on September 30, International Translation Day is observed to highlight the vital role that translators and interpreters play in bridging cultural divides around the globe. It fosters intercultural communication and multilingualism. The saint of translators and a Bible translator, St. Jerome, is honoured on this day in 2023. The focus of the subject is on the part language experts play in fostering mutual understanding, culture, and enduring peace. The feast of St. Jerome is also observed on this day.
History of International Translation Day
- The United Nations General Assembly recognised the value of language experts in fostering international understanding, peace, and development when it passed resolution 71/288 in 2017.
- On September 30, which is also St. Jerome’s Day, the patron saint of translators, the day was formally declared. St. Jerome, a priest of Illyrian descent, translated parts of the Hebrew Gospel into Greek and much of the Bible from Greek manuscripts of the New Testament into Latin.
- He spoke the Illyrian dialect as a first language, then he studied Latin to become proficient. The International Federation of Translators (FIT), a global association that represents translators, interpreters, and terminologists, created International Translation Day in 1991.
- The purpose of the day is to increase awareness of the value of the translation profession and to promote solidarity within the international translation community. St. Jerome’s proficiency in Latin, Greek, and Hebrew is indicative of his legacy.
- He was raised in northeastern Italy, studied Latin at school, and improved his command of the language via studies and trips. After member states adopted resolution 71/288 in 2017, the UN General Assembly designated September 30 as International Translation Day.
- The selection of this day was made in honour of St. Jerome’s Day, a Catholic saint who translated a good deal of the Bible. Before the resolution was passed, the International Federation of Translators (FIT) had planned events.
The theme of International Translation Day
The subject for International Translation Day in 2024 has not yet been revealed; however, the theme for 2023 is “Translation and Diversity: Celebrating the Role of Translators and Interpreters in Promoting Inclusive Communication.” The day, which is celebrated on September 30 every year, honours the vital roles that translators and interpreters play in bridging cultural divides. The 2022 topic is “A World Without Barriers: The Role of Language Professionals in Building Culture, Understanding and Lasting Peace.”
Significance of World Translation Day
- On International Translation Day, we honour the critical role linguists play in bringing people together, encouraging communication, improving understanding, and advancing collaboration.
- To ensure productivity, clarity, and a positive atmosphere in international public discussions and interpersonal interactions, professional translation, interpretation, and terminology conversion of literary, scientific, and technical content from one language to another is imperative.
- The work of translators is more important than ever in today’s increasingly globalised society because they foster understanding across cultures, facilitate interpersonal contact, and contribute to constructive public conversation.
- To provide effective international communication, overcome language obstacles, promote diplomacy, and enable collaboration on global concerns, translators and language experts play a critical role.
- Among the 7,151 languages spoken worldwide, about 40% have less than 1,000 speakers. As a result of globalisation, there is a growing demand for multilingual speakers to communicate effectively with one another.
- Professionals in language skills such as terminologists, interpreters, and translators are essential for fostering respectful communication among speakers of various languages and cultural backgrounds.
Conclusion
September 30, 2024, is International Translation Day, a celebration honouring the work of interpreters and translators in transcending language barriers and promoting worldwide relationships. This yearly occasion honours their priceless contributions to intercultural understanding and draws attention to their talent and commitment to fostering dialogue and enhancing intellectual interchange.