International Translation Day 2023: Celebrating the Lifeline of Global Communication

International Translation Day 2023: International Translation Day is observed annually on September 30th around the globe. This yearly occasion crosses international boundaries to bring people and nations together to honor the invaluable contributions of linguists. These unsung leaders promote conversation, comprehension, and cooperation by acting as the backbone of international communication. Their never-ending efforts are crucial for advancing development and fortifying the pillars of international peace and security. The choice of September 30th for International Translation Day is steeped in significance. It aligns with the commemoration of St. Jerome, the Bible translator, esteemed as the patron saint of translators. This date was thoughtfully selected as a heartfelt tribute to the man whose monumental translation work brought the Bible from Greek manuscripts into Latin, shaping the course of history.

International Translation Day 2023 and Beyond: Mark Your Calendar

For your convenience, here are the dates for International Translation Day for the next five years:

• International Translation Day 2023: September 30, 2023 (Saturday)

• International Translation Day 2024: September 30, 2024 (Monday)

• International Translation Day 2025: September 30, 2025 (Tuesday)

• International Translation Day 2026: September 30, 2026 (Wednesday)

• International Translation Day 2027: September 30, 2027 (Thursday)

Discovering the Significance of International Translation Day

Languages stand as the guardians of cultural diversity, acting as bridges for intercultural dialogue. They form the bedrock of cooperation, nurturing inclusive knowledge societies, and igniting political will while preserving our rich cultural heritage. The United Nations General Assembly recognizes multilingualism as a core value, underscoring its importance in the organization's mission. However, linguistic boundaries must be bridged to maintain effective global communication and understanding. Language translators are the unsung heroes in this endeavor. International Translation Day is an annual celebration that pays homage to these translators and their pivotal role in fostering global unity. This celebration takes place every year on September 30th.

The Remarkable Journey of International Translation Day

On May 24, 2017, the United Nations General Assembly passed a resolution establishing the annual celebration of International Translation Day on September 30th. This resolution underscored the critical role of language professionals in building connections between nations, promoting peace, understanding, and development. The call for this observance received support from various organizations, including Critical Link International, Red T, International Association of Conference Interpreters, World Association of Sign Language Interpreters, among others.

Eleven countries joined in signing the declaration, with the chosen date of September 30th honoring St. Jerome, the Bible translator. St. Jerome, a priest from North-eastern Italy, is celebrated for his remarkable translation of the Bible from Greek New Testament manuscripts into Latin.

Join the Celebration of International Translation Day 2023

International Translation Day 2023 promises a global celebration filled with vibrant events, enlightening seminars, and spirited language-based competitions. Notably, the UN St. Jerome Translation Contest beckons all staff members, accredited permanent mission staff of the UN, and students from select partner universities.

This contest spans all official UN languages, including Arabic, Chinese, French, English, Russian, and Spanish, as well as the German language. Exceptional translations in each language will be recognized and rewarded. Furthermore, individuals are encouraged to embark on the exhilarating journey of learning a new language as a distinctive way to commemorate this special day.

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