Today, 30 September, is International Translation Day, a day to remind society that translators, interpreters and language professionals are here shaping the world, that the need of communication is more important than ever.
We are bringing together 10 of the many (countless, even!) reasons why we celebrate this day as a way of being thankful for all those language professionals working nonstop every day to bring cultures and nations together and facilitating dialogue, understanding and cooperation.
So, why is International Translation Day necessary?
Because…
…we pay tribute to the tireless work of translators and language professionals around the world;
…the role of a translator is indispensable in maintaining productive, positive, and clear interpersonal communication in international circles;
…translators deserve recognition, appreciation and representation;
…languages are of strategic importance for people and the planet;
…language professionals connect nations and can foster peace;
…our daily lives are intertwined with translation, whether we are aware of it or not;
…in crisis situations, they stand on the front line and behind the news to ensure clear information reaches everyone;
…they are away from the spotlight bringing incredible value to societies, businesses, and industries;
… we celebrate the feast of St. Jerome (the patron saint of translators), the first person to translate the Bible into Latin from the original Hebrew, making it accessible for the first time to a far wider audience.
And last but not least, because without translation, we would be living in provinces bordering on silence.
Happy day to you all from the YOKO Team!