September 30 marks International Translation Day, celebrated worldwide by translators, interpreters, and terminologists. The day honors St. Jerome, the patron saint of translators, and recognizes the profession’s fundamental role in connecting cultures, fostering peace, and enabling development.
Fast Facts & Data
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UN Declaration: Adopted in 2017 through UN Resolution 71/288.
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2025 Theme: Translation, Shaping a Future You Can Trust
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Feast Day: Commemorates St. Jerome (d. 420), revered for translating the Bible into Latin.
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Global Scope: Observed by the UN, FIT, educational institutions, and language professionals everywhere.
Historical Milestones
| Year | Event |
|---|---|
| 1953 | International Federation of Translators (FIT) founded |
| 1991 | FIT launches International Translation Day celebrations |
| 2017 | UN General Assembly officially recognizes the day |
| 2005+ | St. Jerome Translation Contest held globally |
Past Themes: International Translation Day 2015–2025
| Year | Theme |
|---|---|
| 2015 | The Changing Face of Translation and Interpreting |
| 2016 | Connecting Worlds |
| 2017 | Translation and Diversity |
| 2018 | Translation: Promoting Cultural Heritage in Changing Times |
| 2019 | Translation and Indigenous Languages |
| 2020 | Finding the Words for a World in Crisis |
| 2021 | United in Translation |
| 2022 | A World Without Barriers |
| 2023 | Translation Unveils the Many Faces of Humanity |
| 2024 | Translation, an Art Worth Protecting: Moral and Material Rights for Indigenous Languages |
| 2025 | Translation, Shaping a Future You Can Trust |
Quotes to Reflect On
“Translation is not a matter of words only: it is a matter of making intelligible whole culture.”
— Anthony Burgess
“Translators are the shadow heroes of literature. They make it possible for different cultures to talk to one another.”
— Paul Auster
Translators in Everyday Life
While International Translation Day has global recognition, the impact of translation is intimate and local. Consider:
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Healthcare – Patients in multilingual regions like Jharkhand’s Ranchi hospitals rely on interpreters to understand diagnoses.
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Education – Tribal languages such as Santhali, Mundari, and Ho need skilled translation for textbooks and curriculum development.
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Justice – Courts across India often depend on interpreters to ensure fair trials for speakers of regional or tribal dialects.
Jharkhand’s Multilingual Mosaic
Jharkhand is home to 33 tribal communities and a rich tapestry of languages—including Santhali, Mundari, Ho, Kharia, and Kurukh. In local hospitals, courts, and schools, translators help:
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Deliver healthcare to speakers of minority dialects
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Ensure justice for people from diverse language backgrounds
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Bring tribal literature and heritage into classrooms
A translator in Ranchi shares: “Every day, I bridge the gap between doctors and tribal patients. Translation isn’t just words—it’s trust and healing.”
Global Activities & Contests
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FIT Poster Competition: Each year, FIT hosts a design contest, bringing creativity and global attention to the annual theme.
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UN St. Jerome Translation Contest: Students compete to create the best translations, fostering excellence in the field.
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Community Events: Seminars, workshops, and exhibitions are held from Delhi to Dumka, raising awareness in all corners.
Quick Quiz: Test Your Knowledge!
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When is International Translation Day celebrated?
A) September 21 B) September 25 C) September 30
Answer: C) September 30 -
Who is the patron saint of translators?
A) St. Francis B) St. Jerome C) St. Augustine
Answer: B) St. Jerome -
Which organization made the day official?
A) UNESCO B) UN C) EU
Answer: B) UN -
What is the 2025 theme?
A) Translation and Diversity B) Translation, Shaping a Future You Can Trust C) Connecting Worlds
Answer: B) Translation, Shaping a Future You Can Trust
Looking Ahead
Translation is the invisible thread that binds humanity. As technology transforms communication, Jharkhand and the world depend on skilled, trustworthy human translators to foster understanding, preserve heritage, and build a peaceful future.
