The annual celebration of the International Translation Day takes place every 30 September, coinciding with the feast of Saint Jerome who translated the Bible for the first time from original Hebrew to Latin.
On this day, people celebrate the works of the language-translation professionals who make the treasure of information available for the world.
The translators facilitate not just the words but aid to the development and strengthening through their understanding, dialogue, and cooperation.
The contribution of translators breaks down the barrier of languages and make the great literature available, understandable, and accessible to enjoy far more widely.
Preview
Date of International Translation Day Observance
The International Translation Day recognises the contribution of translation professionals every 30 September.
History of International Translation Day
The international translation day was launched as a global event by the International Federation of Translators in 1953.
However, the first official observance of the international translation day was witnessed in 1991.
On 24 May 2017, the United Nations general assembly passed a resolution in which it is declared that the International Translation Day will be observed every 30 September to recognise the role of translation professionals in joining the nations.
The group of 11 signatory nations who joined the hands for the Draft Resolution is constituted of the following nations:
- Bangladesh
- Azerbaijan
- Costa Rica
- Paraguay
- Ecuador
- Qatar
- Turkey
- Turkmenistan
- Turkey
- Belarus
- Ecuador
- Cuba
- Vietnam
Below are some resolution-supporting organisations:
- International Association of conference interpreter
- International Association of professional translators and interpreters
- World Association of sign language interpreters
- Critical link International
- Red T
International Translation Day Celebration
- This Global event is marked by the observance of seminars, dedicated events, and symposiums. The events take place in a series across the world to pay the tribute to the contribution of the translators.
- The events roll out with a unifying theme each year and various competitions are being held to promote the day and join the professionals from around the world.
- The poster design competitions are being held and the winner is awarded.
- A series of social media posts are published to promote the cause and educate people about the key roles and contributions of translators and interpreters at social and national levels.
- In addition to that, many infographics are also being circulated around to raise the level of awareness about this event.
- Since 2005 the United Nations invites every year its staff, accredited staff, and students from its partner universities for a contest called the UN Saint Jerome translation contest. It also awards and Honours the best translations in English Chinese German Spanish Russian French and Arabic. The whole event significantly celebrates multilingualism. The observances also highlight the translators' roles as the language professionals who belong to multilateral diplomacy.
Significance of International Translation Day
- Alike technological, social, political, and cultural changes, the languages are also being updated with the other developments in various fields. Rapid changes in the expectations and realities ask for more clear information to reach everyone around.
- The translators, interpreters, and terminologists ensure to bridge the gap and overcome the language barriers both at the local and global levels.
- Such an event connects the nations and fosters peace, development, and understanding among all.
- Even during the swiftly changing times, the translation projects promote the cultural heritage and indeed responsibility preserve the precious treasures of writeups.
- The hard work, dedication, and sweat of the translators stand firm against the regional and cultural diversities.
- The day also supports the preservation of all human language rights.
- It promotes the translation profession in various nations of the world.
- It comes as an opportunity to showcase the pride for the profession that is emerging as an essential area in the era of globalisation and continuously progressing digitalization.
The Legend behind the International Translation Day
Saint Jerome the first Bible translator who was from North-Eastern Italy is the legend behind the day.
He is known for his tremendous endeavours of translating the holy book of Christians and believers.
He translated most of the Greek manuscripts of the New Testament Bible into the Latin language. Not only this, but he also translated many parts of the Hebrew gospel into the Greek language.
He belonged to Illyrian ancestry and the Illyrian dialect was his native language. He learnt Latin when he was in school and became fluent in Hebrew and Greek during his studies and journeys.
Other than being known as the Christian scholar and priest, he is also revered as the Patron Saint of translators.
On 30 September 420, Saint Jerome was found dead and in peace near Bethlehem.
International Translation Day 2020
Alike other Global events, International Translation Day is not an exception to touch the current pandemic. The theme of IT in 2020 is "Finding the words for a world in crisis".
In the situation of crisis the translators have been providing crucial services behind the news and also on the front line. Providing the information to the general public was never such smooth and easy as digitalization and technological advancement has drastically contributed to the ease of communication mediums and ways.
