International Translation Day – September 30, 2022, history significance why we celebrate

Sandeep raiza

International Translation Day – September 30, 2022, history significance why we celebrate

We celebrate International Translation Day on September 30 to pay tribute to the tireless work of translators and 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


The history and origin of International Translation Day date back to 1953. International Federation of Translators (FIT) established it for the first time. The day also coincides with the feast day of St. Jerome, who was a Christian scholar, and a priest and was the first person to translate the Bible from the original Hebrew into the Latin language. He was the person who first made the Bible accessible to a far wider audience.

St. Jerome is regarded as the patron saint of translators. The celebration of the day also pays tribute to the countless work of translators who are providing the literature works widely in every language and breaking the language barrier. As the opportunities for international travel and globalization of trade markets are growing in number, translation work is gaining significant importance.

competent translator is not only a bi-lingual person but he is also a bi-cultural person. The FIT had launched the idea of an officially recognized International Translation Day in the year 1991. It aims to promote the translation profession in several countries by showing the solidarity of the worldwide translation community.

International Translation Day is a great opportunity to exhibit the pride in a profession that is becoming increasingly necessary in the era of progressing globalization. The day is usually celebrated with a theme for every year.

INTERNATIONAL TRANSLATION DAY TIMELINE


1945
The Establishment of the U.N.
The United Nations is established with 51 founding members after the dissolution of the League of Nations.


1946
Five Official Languages
English, French, Russian, Spanish, and Chinese, are adopted as the official languages of the United Nations.


1948
Universal Declaration of Human Rights
The U.N. adopts a universal declaration of human rights, encouraging respect for human rights regardless of race, sex, language, or religion.


2017
International Translation Day
The U.N. announces September 30 as International Translation Day to honor language professionals all around the world.

RECOMMEND STORIES

5 FACTS ABOUT THE ENGLISH LANGUAGE THAT WILL BLOW YOUR MIND


What the U.S. ignores, 67 other countries claim
67 countries have recognized English as an official language, and the United States is not one of those.


Britain has bragging rights, not birthright
Britain did not invent English, it was introduced to them by the Germanic people.


English packs a hefty punch
The English language has the most number of words — totaling around 250,000.


Somehow, it still ain’t complete
The English dictionary sees the addition of 4,000 new words each year, making it the most evolving language in the world.


Because English can go rogue
Unlike Russian, French, or any other major language, English has no guiding institution that can control its evolution.

Themes of International Translation Day
The themes for the last few International

Translation Days are listed below

  • 2012: Translation as Intercultural Communication
  • 2013: Beyond Linguistic Barriers
  • 2014: Language Rights: Essential to All Human Rights
  • 2015: The changing face of translation and interpreting
  • 2016: Translation and interpreting: Connecting Worlds
  • 2017: Translation and Diversity.
  • 2018: Translation: Promoting Cultural Heritage in Changing Times
  • 2019: Translation and Indigenous Languages
  • 2020: Finding the words for a world in crisis
  • 2021: United in translation.

How to Celebrate International Translation Day


You can attend dedicated events, seminars, and symposiums held on this day. Gather up a meeting with family, friends, and children for a translation event. Assign them with the task and let them translate it to their extent. Post and Share the celebrations using the hashtag #InternationalTranslationDay on social media.

Related posts

Leave a Comment