International Translation Day is observed on September 30 every year to pay tribute to the work of language professionals. They play an important role in facilitating dialogue, understanding and cooperation between nations. On May 24, 2017, the 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. The theme for International Translation Day 2019 is Translation and Indigenous Languages.

Language translators work towards development and strengthening world peace and security. The day is observed on the feast of St Jerome, the Bible translator who is considered the patron saint of translators. The celebrations have been promoted by the International Federation of Translators (FIT) which was set up in 1953. International Translation Day 2019 will be celebrated by facilitating translators across the world.

FIT officially recognised International Translation Day to thank the translation community worldwide in an effort to promote the translation profession in different countries. It is also an opportunity to showcase pride in the profession that is increasingly becoming essential in times of globalisation.

Eleven countries including Azerbaijan, Bangladesh, Belarus, Costa Rica, Cuba, Ecuador, Paraguay, Qatar, Turkey, Turkmenistan, and Vietnam are the signatories of Draft Resolution A/71/L.68. In addition to the International Federation of Translators, organisations like International Association of Conference Interpreters, Critical Link International, International Association of Professional Translators and Interpreters, Red T, World Association of Sign Language Interpreters have been advocating for this resolution to be adopted.

 

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 30, 2019 09:15 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).