International Translation Day Date in the current year: September 30, 2024

International Translation Day International Translation Day is an annual observance held on September 30. It was formally established by the International Federation of Translators in 1991, although the celebrations have been held since 1953. In 2017, it also became a United Nations observance.

The International Federation of Translators (FIT) is an international organization that unites translators, interpreters, and terminologists from all over the world. It represents over 80,000 translators in 55 countries. The FIT closely collaborates with UNESCO.

Ever since its foundation in 1953, the FIT has been promoting the idea of a professional holiday for all translators and interpreters. In 1991, it finally established an officially recognized International Translation Day. The observance is designed to promote the profession and to strengthen solidarity within the translation community.

The date of September 30 was chosen as it is the feast day of Saint Jerome. Saint Jerome is venerated as patron saint of translators because he is known for translating most of the Bible into Latin (his translation is known as the Vulgate).

In 2017, the United Nations General Assembly officially designated International Translation Day as a UN observance in order to emphasize the role of language professionals in bringing nations together. The UN is one of the world’s largest employers of language professionals (translators, interpreters, editors, terminologists, etc.) who translate UN documents and play a vital role in the Organization’s work.

Remind me with Google Calendar

Category

UN Observances

Tags

International Translation Day, International Federation of Translators, professional holiday, international observance, UN observance