New Delhi: International Translation Day is observed every year on September 30th to honour professional translators. The day provides an opportunity to honour the work of language professionals, who play a crucial role in bringing nations together. By facilitating dialogue, understanding and cooperation, translators contribute a lot to the development and strengthening of world peace and security.
Translators have been crucial in bringing together the 51 founding states of the U.N. ever since its foundation. All civilizations and their respective cultures are important enablers of sustainable development, according to the United Nations.
International Translation Day 2022: A brief history
International Translation Day takes place on September 30, the day of St. Jerome’s feast, a priest and scholar who is credited with the first translation of the Bible. He went on a mission to translate the Bible from Hebrew to Latin thousands of years ago and his efforts to make the Bible understandable to a far larger audience have earned him the title of the ‘patron saint of translators.’
The International Federation of Translators (FIT) has organised the day ever since it was set up in1953 and the first official celebration of International Translation Day was held in 1991.
The United Nations General Assembly passed resolution 71/288 on May 24, 2017, designating September 30 as International Translation Day and recognising the importance of expert translation in connecting nations worldwide.
International Translation Day 2022: Significance
Languages are essential for preserving cultural variety and fostering cross-cultural communication. Additionally, it promotes cooperation, the development of inclusive knowledge societies, the mobilisation of political will, and the preservation of cultural heritage. The United Nations General Assembly also recognises bilingualism as a fundamental principle of the organisation. However, there is also a need to get over linguistic barriers in order to preserve effective communication and mutual understanding among the people of the world.
The occupation of professional translation is acknowledged by the UN as both an art and a trade. The world should appreciate translators because they maintain the UN charter. Every September 30 is recognised as International Translation Day according to a resolution passed by the UN General Assembly on May 24, 2017. The purpose of the day is to recognise the contribution made by linguists to international understanding, progress, and friendship.
International Translation Day 2022: Theme
The International Federation of Translators (FIT) promotes the celebration of International Translation Day with a unique theme every year. The theme for International Translation Day 2022 is “A World Without Barriers”. On the decided theme, a poster designing competition is held and all FIT members are encouraged to participate.