International Translation Day
By Sharon Schweitzer
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. There are over 6,500 spoken languages in the world. It is challenging to overcome language barriers.
Ever since the inception of the U.N., translators have played a great role in bringing all 51 founding nations on the same page. The United Nations recognizes that all civilizations and their respective cultures are crucial enablers of sustainable development.
The U.N. recognizes the work of professional translation as an art and a trade. Translators uphold the charter of the United Nations and deserve global appreciation. Through the resolution adopted in the United Nations General Assembly on May 24th, 2017, every September 30th is celebrated as International Translation Day. The day is dedicated to honoring the role of language professionals in fostering peace, development, and camaraderie between linguistically distinct nations.
International Translation Day also coincides with the feast day of St. Jerome, a priest, and scholar who is credited with the first translation of the Bible. Thousands of years ago, St. Jerome embarked on a journey to translate the Bible from Hebrew into Latin. St. Jerome is called the patron saint of translators for his efforts to make the Bible accessible to a far wider audience.
Each year, the IFT (International Federation of Translators), chooses a theme for the International Translation Day that offers some insight and focus into the important ideals surrounding the day. Some of the past themes have included:
A World Without Barriers (2022)
United in Translation (2021)
Translation: Promoting Cultural Heritage in Changing Times (2018)
The Changing Face of Translating and Interpreting (2015)
AI Overview
The theme for ITD 2024 is “Translation, an art worth protecting”. The International Federation of Translators (FIT) has chosen this theme to encourage the protection of translation as an art, copyright, and related rights, as well as the livelihoods of translation professionals. The theme also recognizes translations as original creative works that deserve copyright protection under the Berne Convention.
As described by FIT: “Translation unveils a world of human experience, allowing us a window into cultures other than those we know. As climate and geopolitical shocks resonate across the globe, it also plays an important role in addressing threats to the peace and security, in diplomacy and multilateralism, sustainable development and humanitarian aid, human dignity and human rights.”
Photo by https://www.atia.ab.ca/tag/international-translation-day/
Sharon Schweitzer JD, is a diversity and inclusion consultant, cross-cultural trainer, etiquette expert, and the founder of Access to Culture. In addition to her accreditation in intercultural management from the HOFSTEDE Centre, she is an attorney and mediator. Sharon served as a Chinese Ceremonial Dining Etiquette Specialist in the documentary series Confucius was a Foodie, on Nat Geo People. Her Amazon #1 Best Selling book in International Business, Access to Asia: Your Multicultural Business Guide, won a coveted Kirkus Star, and was named to Kirkus Reviews’ Best Books. She’s a winner of numerous awards, including the British Airways International Trade Award at the Greater Austin Business Awards.
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