International Translation Day

International Translation Day is celebrated on September 30 and I'm planning to help you understand its significance without getting lost in translation. Translators are what binds different worlds together. The domain of translation includes a profusion of sub-branches such as translation of a literary work, professional translation, interpretation, and terminology, etc. .

International Translation Day aims to pay tribute to the work of language professionals all around the world.

The role of a translator is indispensable in maintaining productive, positive, and clear interpersonal communication in international circles. From translating sensitive documents to the lyrics of your favorite K-Pop song, translators are the foundation of international peace deals and global media consumption. International Translation Day honors the contribution of language professionals in furthering the cause of peacekeeping, the promotion of human rights, and the shared quest for sustainable development.

History of International Translation Day

Can you imagine a world without translators? Imagine you could never read your favorite books, understand foreign cinematic masterpieces, or enjoy that eccentric European T.V. series. A world without translators would mean a world where the great literary works of Homer’s “Iliad” would not be known, Euclid’s mathematical achievements would have remained hidden and most importantly, the world of diplomacy would not exist.

Translators are an indispensable part of society and play an important role in bringing nations together, facilitating dialogue, understanding, and cooperation, helping interpersonal communication, preserving clarity, and ensuring a positive climate and productiveness in international public discourse.

In 1953, the International Federation of Translators started International Translation Day. The day is celebrated annually on September 30, which is the day of the feast of St. Jerome, the Bible translator, who is seen as the patron saint of translators. St. Jerome was a priest from Northeast Italy who is known for translating the Bible into Latin from Greek manuscripts of the New Testament.

This day pays tribute to the work of translators who help wipe out our differences by breaking down the language barriers. International Translation Day helps promote cultural heritage and mutual respect in our changing world.

As globalization increases, the work of translators has become integral to sustain the structures and processes of trade markets. Translators sit at the junction point that impacts the development of business, science, medicine, technology, politics, and a host of other areas.

This day provides us with an opportunity to appreciate the work of translators, interpreters, and others in the language service industry.

International Translation Day timeline

1991 - The First Official Celebration

The first official celebration of International Translation Day takes place.

2017 - International Translation Day is Declared

30 September is declared as International Translation Day by the United Nations General Assembly.

2018 - American Translators Association Celebrates

The American Translators Association (ATA) starts celebrating International Translation Day.

2019 - A Day in the Life of a Translator

ATA releases a video depicting "A Day in the Life of a Translator or Interpreter.”

International Translation Day FAQs

How common is bilingualism?

Bilingualism is the ability to use two languages in everyday life. It is very common and is on the rise in many parts of the world, with one in three people being bilingual or multilingual.

Which country has only one official language?

Countries that have only one official language include Albania, France, Germany, and Lithuania.

What is the role of a United Nations translator?

U.N. translators fill the communication gap by translating official languages into the desired dialect and vice versa. They also provide real-time translation services on the floor and are responsible for handling sensitive diplomatic information.?

International Translation Day Activities

Learn a new language

You don’t need a fancy coursebook or an expensive mentor to learn a new language. This September 30, just use the tons of free resources available on the internet and kick-start your dream of being a polyglot.

Promote multiculturalism

There’s beauty in diversity and opportunity in our differences. September 30 is the perfect day to promote ethnic diversity through clothing, food, and traditions.

Call up an estranged friend

Take inspiration from the translators who fill the communication gap between two distinct cultures and resolve your personal issues with an estranged person.

Interesting Facts About Translation

World’s most translated book

The world’s most translated book is the Bible.

Mistranslation lead to the Hiroshima atomic bombings

A misinterpretation of the word ‘mokusatsu’ led to the death of thousands of people.

Translation is a $40 billion industry

An estimated 300,000 professional translators work in the world today.

The world’s most translated website

The world’s most translated website is the Jehovah’s Witnesses’ homepage.

Words translated

Translators can translate around 520,000 words per year.

Why We Love International Translation Day

It raises awareness

International Translation Day draws attention to the work of translators, interpreters, and others in the language service industry. Translators have the important task of bringing nations together, facilitating dialogue, understanding and cooperation, contributing to development, and maintaining diplomatic relations.

It pays tribute to translators

This day pays tribute to the work of translators and the interpreters who break down language barriers and help bring societies together. They allow us a chance to come closer and learn from each other, which benefits society as a whole.

It promotes cultural heritage

International Translation Day aims to promote cultural heritage and mutual respect throughout the world. Thus, it helps to bring nations together, contributing to development, and strengthening world peace and security.

Quote of the Day

Success seems to be largely a matter of hanging on after others have let go.

-William Feather

Article proofreading, substantive editing, copy-editing, and formatting by : Farzad Rahbari

Date : September 30th, 2024