International Translation Day 2024: Theme and How United Nations Works for Translation

Do you know The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho? One of the most famous and popular books of all time? It is also one of the most widely translated books, having been translated into more than 80 languages, including English.

There are many other books, such as One Hundred Years of Solitude by Gabriel García Márquez, which was originally written in Spanish and later translated into many languages.

But do you know how much effort a literary translator must put in to accurately convey the essence and nuances of the original text in a different language? It requires a deep understanding of language and culture as well as keen creativity and language skills.

World Translation Day therefore recognizes the efforts of language experts who dedicate their time and expertise to bridging the gap between different cultures through literature.

It is a day when people recognize the importance of translation in promoting global understanding and appreciation of different literary works.

What is the theme of International Translation Day 2024?

The theme of International Translation Day 2024 is “Translation, an Art Worth Protecting: The Spiritual and Material Rights of Indigenous Languages.”

This topic will focus on the importance of preserving indigenous languages ​​and their translations. It will discuss ethical issues related to data collection, copyright and the use of translated works.

The event will highlight the challenges people around the world face in collecting data and translating indigenous languages, and how to address these challenges while following industry guidelines.

How does the United Nations carry out translation work?

The United Nations plays a vital role in the field of translation through its extensive language services, which facilitate the multilingual communication necessary for international diplomacy. The following is the translation work of the United Nations:

Multilingual documentation

  • Official Languages: The United Nations publishes documents in six official languages: Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian and Spanish. Some core documents were also translated into German. This ensures that all member states have access to important information in their preferred language.

Translation services

  • Translators: The United Nations employs hundreds of language professionals to translate a variety of documents, including reports on human rights, peace and security. These translators ensure that content is presented clearly and accurately.
  • Workload: For example, at the United Nations Office in Geneva alone, some 170 translators translate approximately 80 million words per year, covering topics ranging from international law to climate change.

Interpretation services

  • Simultaneous Interpretation: The United Nations provides interpretation services during meetings to facilitate real-time communication between representatives speaking different languages. This service is crucial for the smooth conduct of discussions in bodies such as the General Assembly and the Security Council.

Competitions and Recognition

  • Saint Jerome Translation Competition: Since 2005, the United Nations has hosted this competition to recognize the work of translators and promote multilingualism. It rewards outstanding translations in official languages ​​25.

Promote the use of multiple languages

The United Nations recognizes the importance of language in promoting cultural diversity and intercultural dialogue. By promoting the use of multiple languages, it increases engagement and transparency in operations.

When was World Translation Day established? Why?

International Translation Day is celebrated every year on September 30. The United Nations General Assembly formally recognized this date through resolution 71/288 on May 24, 2017.

The festival recognizes the important role that translation professionals play in promoting international dialogue and understanding, which is becoming increasingly important in a globalized world.

September 30 was chosen to coincide with the feast day of Saint Jerome, considered the patron saint of translation.

St. Jerome was a famous scholar who was responsible for translating the Bible into Latin to make it more accessible to a wider audience.

The celebration aims to highlight the contribution of translators in bridging cultural and linguistic divides, thereby promoting peace and cooperation between nations.

The initiative to establish an official International Translation Day was first proposed by the Federation Internationale de Translators (FIT) in 1991 to demonstrate the solidarity of the global translation community and to enhance the status of the translation industry.

What does 71/288 mean?

Resolution 71/288 is a specific decision made by the United Nations General Assembly on May 24, 2017. The resolution officially designated September 30 as International Translation Day. The purpose of this day is to recognize the important role of translation professionals in promoting international dialogue and understanding, which is crucial in a globalized world.

Main aspects of resolution 71/288:

  • Recognition of translators: The resolution highlights the importance of professional translators in connecting countries and promoting peace, understanding and development.
  • Celebrating multilingualism: Emphasizing the importance of multilingualism in enhancing communication and cooperation between different cultures.
  • St. Jerome’s Day: This day coincides with the feast of St. Jerome, the patron saint of translators, who is famous for translating the Bible into Latin (the Vulgar Bible).