International Translation Day

International Translation Day

International Translation Day is marked on 30 September. The International Federation of Translators organise the day since it was set up in 1953. The day focuses on celebrating the work of language translation professionals which facilitates dialogue, understanding, and cooperation, contributing to the development and strengthening of world peace and security. This day provides a great opportunity to spotlight the important work of translators, interpreters, and others in the language service industry. International Translation Day 2021 theme is  “United in translation”.

History

The International Federation of Translators (FIT) organise the day ever since it was set up in 1953. The first official celebration of ITD was held in 1991. The day also marks the feast of St. Jerome, the Bible translator who is considered the patron saint of translators.

Theme

The following are the themes for the most recent International Translation Days.

2012: Translation as Intercultural Communication

2013: Beyond Linguistic Barriers

2014: Language Rights: Essential to All Human Rights

2015: The changing face of translation and interpreting

2016: Translation and interpreting: Connecting Worlds

2017: Translation and Diversity

2018: Translation: Promoting Cultural Heritage in Changing Times

2019: Translation and Indigenous Languages

2020: Finding the words for a world in crisis

2021: United in translation

Significance of the Translation day

The day aims to acknowledge the work of translators in helping the nations to connect. The translation is an activity that aims at conveying the meaning or meanings of a given linguistic discourse from one language to another. In today's era, translation makes any language understandable. In today’s time, not everybody is fluent or even familiar with all the languages.