Today is International Translation Day!  

Why on this day, you ask? September 30th is the Feast of St. Jerome, the man who translated the Bible and parts of the Hebrew Gospel. St. Jerome is considered to be the patron saint of translators.   

The International Federation of Translators has therefore chosen this date to promote the translation professions in the various countries. This year’s theme is A World Without Barriers.

About this theme, IFT shared that “In 2017 we achieved an historical milestone for all professional translators, interpreters and terminologists, with the 71st Session of the United Nations General Assembly unanimously adopting Resolution A/RES/71/288, recognising the role of professional translation in connecting nations, and fostering peace, understanding and development. In the same resolution, the United Nations General Assembly declared September 30th, to be UN International Translation Day, celebrated across the entire UN network.“

In a tribute to this special celebration, the United Nations stated that this day is “meant as an opportunity to pay tribute to the work of language professionals, which plays an important role in bringing nations together, facilitating dialogue, understanding and cooperation, contributing to development and strengthening world peace and security.”  

The UN adds that “there is growing awareness that languages play a vital role in development, in ensuring cultural diversity and intercultural dialogue, but also in attaining quality education for all and strengthening cooperation, in building inclusive knowledge societies and preserving cultural heritage, and in mobilizing political will for applying the benefits of science and technology to sustainable development.” 

Now that’s something to celebrate!  

About the International Federation of Translators 

FIT (the Fédération Internationale des Traducteurs/International Federation of Translators) is an international grouping of associations of translators, interpreters and terminologists. More than 100 professional associations are affiliated, representing more than 80 000 translators in 55 countries. The goal of the Federation is to promote professionalism in the disciplines it represents. It seeks constantly to improve conditions for the profession in all countries and to uphold translators’ rights and freedom of expression. 

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