INTERNATIONAL TRANSLATION DAY

Share this article

Facebook X (Twitter) LinkedIn Email

Text Size

Fast Facts

CELEBRATION: Celebrates language professionals who offer translation and interpretation services
CELEBRATED: Each year on September 30
FACT: There are over 6,500 spoken languages in the world
ORIGIN: The International Federation of Translators (FIT) has been celebrating Translation Day since 1953

INTERNATIONAL TRANSLATION DAY

International Translation Day on September 30th pays tribute to language professionals who offer translation and interpretation services. In doing so, translators bring nations together, facilitate dialogue, and contribute to world peace.

#InternationalTranslationDay

There are over 6,500 spoken languages in the world, making it difficult to overcome language barriers. Translators and interpreters make it easier to do so. However, translation and interpretation are two different things. Translation involves the written word, while interpretation involves the spoken word.

If a book or report needs to be transposed to another language, a translator is required. Interpreters take spoken information and make it understandable in another language. Interpretation isn’t just knowing another language, however. Interpreters must understand the culture as well.

Did you know?

September 30th celebrates the Feast of St. Jerome, the patron Saint of Translators. St. Jerome is credited for translating most of the Bible from Latin and Hebrew to Greek. He died on September 30th, 420.

Both translators and interpreters are necessary when it comes to helping individuals better understand one another. They make a difference when it comes to starting a new business in a foreign country. They also help patients in hospitals, students in schools, and newspaper reporters working in foreign countries.

Because of the need, translators and interpreters are in high demand. In the United States, translator and interpreter jobs are expected to grow 29% by 2024. Languages that are in the highest demand include Spanish, Russian, French, and German. Other languages that are steadily increasing in demand include Arabic, Chinese, Japanese, Hindi, and Korean.

Each year since 2005, the English Translation Service at UN Headquarters has held the UN St. Jerome Translation Contest. Staff at the UN, along with students from select universities, are invited to participate. This contest rewards the best translations in Arabic, Chinese, English, and other languages. The goal is to celebrate multilingualism. The contest also highlights the important role of translators and interpreters in diplomacy. The contest commemorates International Translation Day.

Since 2018 the American Translators Association has also participated in International Translation Day. The ASA celebrates by using social media to educate the public on the role of professional translators and interpreters.

HOW TO OBSERVE INTERNATIONAL TRANSLATION DAY

Brush up on a language you learned in high school.
Make it a goal to start learning a new language.
Watch a foreign film or Listen to songs in different languages.
Make a point to help someone who has trouble speaking English.
If you’ve ever been in a situation where there was a language barrier, share your experience on social media using the hashtag #InternationalTranslationDay

INTERNATIONAL TRANSLATION DAY HISTORY

The International Federation of Translators (FIT) has been celebrating translation day since its inception in 1953. In 1991 the FIT wanted to have an officially recognized International Translation Day. It wasn’t until 2017 that the UN passed a resolution declaring September 30 as International Translation Day.