On September 30 interpreters and translators celebrate their professional holiday – International Translation Day. This tradition was initiated by the International Federation of Translators (Fédération Internationale des Traducteurs) in 1991 to promote the recognition of the profession that has been playing an important role in the development of international diplomacy and trade since ancient times and remains vital in today’s globalized world.
On May 24, 2017 the holiday was officially recognized: the UN General Assembly adopted resolution 71/288 on the role of language professionals in connecting nations and fostering peace, understanding and development, and declared September 30 as International Translation Day.
Why this specific date? In Catholic tradition September 30th is the day of St. Jerome, an Italian priest who translated most of the Old and New Testament from Hebrew and Greek into Latin at the end of the 4th century. He learned Latin in school and perfected his Greek and Hebrew through self-study and traveling. St. Jerome’s translation was accepted by Catholic church as canonical Bible, also know as The Vulgate. Jerome died near Bethlehem on September 30, 420.
St. Jerome became a patron of all language professionals who, sixteen centuries later, still play a vital role in the exchange of information and knowledge; resolution of international conflicts; facilitation of equal access to justice; preserving history and cultural heritage. In other words, we help our civilization to keep moving forward.
Happy International Translation Day, dear colleagues and clients!