Maybe you are unaware that 30 September is a special day for us translators. Would you like to know why? It is International Translation Day!

This day recognises the labour of translation professionals that (too) often goes unsung. This date was chosen in homage to St Jerome, a Christian scholar and priest from North-eastern Italy, who is credited with being the first to translate most of the Bible from Greek into Latin, making it accessible for the first time to a wider audience. Curiously, the Bible is the most translated work in history.

Originally launched in 1953, it was in 2017 that the UN officially established 30 September as International Translation Day. In doing so, it sought to highlight “the work of professional linguists and the important part they play in bringing nations closer together”. Many different organisations have since chosen to observe and celebrate this day in different ways.

“Translation unveils a world of human experience, allowing us a window into cultures other than those we know.”

The International Federation of Translators chooses a theme each year to mark the date and focus on certain issues. Have a look at their website to find more information, see themes from previous years and check out this year’s poster.

The theme for 2023 is “Translation unveils the many faces of humanity”. With this theme, FIT wishes to emphasise “the important role that translation plays in our lives, and celebrate our shared humanity”.

How you can celebrate International Translation Day

  • Read a translated work: Pick up a book that has been translated from another language:  a piece of fiction, non-fiction, perhaps a play or a book of poetry. Or if there is a translated text that you are familiar with, why not read it in its original language?
  • Watch a foreign film: Whether dubbed or subtitled, you will be able to appreciate the work of translators and voice actors to make the film available to foreign audiences. Watching a film and paying attention to subtitles allows you to learn new words, and listening to the dialogue greatly helps to catch the nuances of the original language.
  • Start learning a new language: It’s never too late! There are a lot of online resources to help you pick up where you left off at school, or that language you told yourself you have to learn after making that memorable trip. Studies suggest learning another language can improve brain function, concentration, and memory.
  • Listening to songs: It is a well-known fact that listening to songs in a language you do not speak can help you actually learn that language. It’s a great exercise for your brain and makes the experience so much more enjoyable if you understand what you’re singing along to!

“They accord those in crisis their humanity, giving them access, agency, dignity and the chance to connect. They are the human faces of advocacy and diplomacy, keeping communication flowing in the difficult circumstances.”

So, this 30 September, take a moment to appreciate the work of translators and interpreters and their role in society of aiding communication, promoting culture, breaking down barriers and building bridges in a world full of diversity.

Header image by Joshua Fuller on Unsplash

Quotes from the International Federation of Translators website