The United Nations (UN)’s International Translation Day (ITD) is annually observed across the globe on 30th September to honour the efforts of language professionals, whose work is crucial in uniting nations, fostering communication, understanding, cooperation, aiding development, and enhancing global peace and security.
Theme:
i.The theme of ITD 2024 is “Translation, an art worth protecting: Moral and Material rights for Indigenous Languages”.
- The theme highlights the focus on the ethical concerns like data collection, copyright, and the use of translated works.
ii.The annual theme of ITD is chosen by the Fédération Internationale des Traducteurs (FIT – International Federation of Translators).
Background:
i.International Translation Day was first observed in 1991 by FIT.
ii.On 24th May 2017, the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in its 71st session adopted the resolution A/RES/71/288 and declared 30th September of every year as International Translation Day.
iii.The first ever UN recognised ITD was observed on 30th September 2017.
Why September 30?
30th September celebrates the feast of St. Jerome, the Bible translator, who is considered the patron saint of translators.
About St. Jerome:
i.St. Jerome was a priest from North-Eastern Italy, known for translating most of the Bible into Latin from the Greek manuscripts of the New Testament.
ii.He also translated parts of the Hebrew Gospel into Greek.
iii.He died near Bethlehem on 30 September around 420 near Bethlehem in Palestine.
Translation at UN:
Translators are one type of language professionals employed at the UN.
UN language specialists include: Editorial and desktop publishing assistants; Editors; Interpreters; Précis-writers; Production editors and desktop publishers; Translators; and Verbatim reporters.
2024 Event:
i.To commemorate ITD 2024, FIT organized a webinar on 27th September 2024, featuring a panel discussion that explored key issues such as copyright, language rights, and the future of the profession in light of recent technological advancements worldwide.
ii.FIT Council presented the ITD 2024 poster with the theme “Translation, an art worth protecting”.
About International Federation of Translators (FIT):
President– Alison Rodriguez
Secretary-General– Alexandra Jantscher
Headquarters– Paris, France
Established– 1953
