“Without translation, we would be living in provinces bordering on silence.” –George Steiner

International Translation Day is celebrated on September 30th each year to honor the essential role that translators and interpreters play in bridging language barriers, fostering understanding, and facilitating communication across cultures. This day recognizes the hard work, dedication, and skill of these language professionals who make the world a more interconnected and culturally rich place.

Global communication is based on translation. By removing linguistic and geographic barriers, it allows us to access literature, academic research, news, and information from all over the world. The translators and interpreters are the unsung heroes who make these flawless encounters possible.

Translators and interpreters bridge the global community

The importance of translation cannot be overstated in a world that is increasingly interconnected. Translators and interpreters are essential to the success of these endeavors, whether they are facilitating international business negotiations, enabling diplomacy, or guaranteeing that medical instructions are correctly received. They act as linguistic and cultural mediators, ensuring that messages are not only accurately conveyed but also culturally sensitive.

In literature, translation opens doors to diverse literary traditions. It enables us to read the works of authors from various parts of the globe and get an understanding of their distinctive viewpoints and cultures. Translators put in a lot of effort to maintain the subtleties and beauty of the original text, and they frequently struggle to find the right words in the target language to convey the meaning of the source.

The substantial difficulties that translators and interpreters have are also brought to our attention on International Translation Day. Beyond linguistic difficulties, they encounter issues related to cultural context, idiomatic expressions, and the need to adapt language to suit different audiences. The work of a translator is not just about substituting words; it is about conveying the intended meaning while preserving the cultural context.

This day also serves as a reminder of the importance of giving language specialists the proper support and recognition. Many translators and interpreters work behind the scenes, their efforts going unnoticed until something goes wrong. For their labor to remain of the highest caliber, they need to receive fair compensation, opportunities for professional growth, and appreciation for their achievements.

The translation industry has changed recently as a result of technological improvements. The prevalence of machine translation technologies has increased the effectiveness of simple translation assignments. However, these tools are far from replacing human translators. The nuances of language, culture, and context still require the expertise of skilled professionals. International Translation Day is a reminder of the unique value that human translators and interpreters bring to the table.

Consider reading literature from a different culture or language, possibly one that has been translated into your mother tongue, to honor International Translation Day. Appreciate the talent and commitment of the translators who made that connection possible for a moment.

Additionally, you should thank any translators or interpreters you know because their efforts are sometimes overlooked.

By doing these things we can celebrate International Translation Day:

• Investing in a good translation book

Reading foreign books is a wonderfully useful way to improve your language skills. Whether you enjoy language instruction books or recreational reading in your target language, books can help you learn new words, improve your comprehension skills, and more.

• Start learning a new language.

Besides bragging rights, the benefits of learning a new or foreign language are profound. Studies suggest learning another language can improve brain function, concentration, and memory. And one study even implies that it can slow the rate at which your brain ages.

• Watching foreign films.

Foreign films offer a splendid opportunity for language acquisition. Since the age of 10, I have significantly enriched my English vocabulary by immersing myself in Western cinema. Subtitles facilitate the acquisition of new words, while attentive listening to the dialogues familiarizes me with the nuances of the language. Additionally, watching foreign films subtitled in a second language can further enhance language learning.

The importance of translators and interpreters in our increasingly globalized environment is highlighted by International Translation Day. Their work is crucial for cross-border communication, business, culture, and diplomacy. Let’s honor their efforts on this day, appreciate the diverse tapestry of languages and cultures they help unite, and pledge to support their line of work going forward.

Written by: Rtr. Windya Madushani

Graphic design by: Rtr. Sathmi Dinanja