30th Sep: International Translation Day

International Translation Day on September 30th pays tribute to language professionals who offer translation and interpretation services. In doing so, translators bring nations together, facilitate dialogue, and contribute to world peace.

There are over 6,500 spoken languages in the world. It is challenging to overcome language barriers. Translators and interpreters make it easier to do so. Translation and interpretation are two different things. Translation involves the written word. Interpretation involves the spoken word.

If a book or report needs to be transposed to another language, a translator is required. Interpreters take spoken information and make it understandable in another language. Interpretation isn’t just knowing another language, however. Interpreters must understand the culture as well.

Each year since 2005, the English Translation Service at UN Headquarters has held the UN St. Jerome Translation Contest. Staff at the UN, along with students from select universities, are invited to participate. This contest rewards the best translations in Arabic, Chinese, English, and other languages. The goal is to celebrate multilingualism. The contest also highlights the important role of translators and interpreters in diplomacy. The contest commemorates International Translation Day.

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