International Translation Day

Categories:: Special Interest
Tags:: Appreciation Career Educational
Where:: International
Date change rule:: Every September 30
Holiday emoji:: 🌐

International Translation Day recognizes the essential work of language professionals every September 30. This day highlights how translators, interpreters, and terminologists connect diverse cultures and facilitate global communication. Take a moment to appreciate the unsung heroes who make our interconnected world possible, and explore the fascinating world of languages.

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Expected International Translation Day Deals

For International Translation Day, expect a focus on professional development and appreciation rather than consumer deals. Organizations like the American Translators Association (ATA) and the International Federation of Translators (FIT) often offer discounts on memberships, webinars, and certification exams. Language service providers such as Lionbridge and TransPerfect might host free online workshops or offer special rates for new clients. Software companies like SDL Trados could provide temporary price reductions on their translation memory tools. Educational platforms like Coursera or Udemy might feature promotions on language and translation courses. We will update this page with confirmed live opportunities as September 30 approaches.

Platform Guide for International Translation Day

Tag National Today (linkedin.com/company/nationaltoday) and use #InternationalTranslationDay. Share insights on the future of language or spotlight a colleague.

X/Twitter

Mention @NatlToday and use #InternationalTranslationDay. Join conversations about linguistic diversity and the challenges of the profession.

Instagram

Tag @nationaltoday_ and use #InternationalTranslationDay. Post visual stories about unique words, untranslatable concepts, or your favorite translated books.

International Translation Day Hero

Saint Jerome

Saint Jerome (c. 347–420 AD) is widely regarded as the patron saint of translators. He is best known for translating most of the Bible into Latin, a version known as the Vulgate, which became the official Latin Bible of the Catholic Church. His work was monumental, requiring deep linguistic and scholarly effort to bridge ancient texts with the contemporary language of his time. His feast day, September 30, was chosen for International Translation Day.

History of International Translation Day

Can you imagine a world without translators? Imagine you could never read your favorite books, understand foreign cinematic masterpieces, or enjoy that eccentric European T.V. series. A world without translators would mean a world where the great literary works of Homer’s “Iliad” would not be known, Euclid’s mathematical achievements would have remained hidden and most importantly, the world of diplomacy would not exist.

Translators are an indispensable part of society and play an important role in bringing nations together, facilitating dialogue, understanding, and cooperation, helping interpersonal communication, preserving clarity, and ensuring a positive climate and productiveness in international public discourse.

In 1953, the International Federation of Translators started International Translation Day. The day is celebrated annually on September 30, which is the day of the feast of St. Jerome, the Bible translator, who is seen as the patron saint of translators. St. Jerome was a priest from Northeast Italy who is known for translating the Bible into Latin from Greek manuscripts of the New Testament.

This day pays tribute to the work of translators who help wipe out our differences by breaking down the language barriers. International Translation Day helps promote cultural heritage and mutual respect in our changing world.
As globalization increases, the work of translators has become integral to sustain the structures and processes of trade markets. Translators sit at the junction point that impacts the development of business, science, medicine, technology, politics, and a host of other areas.

This day provides us with an opportunity to appreciate the work of translators, interpreters, and others in the language service industry.

International Translation Day timeline

1991

The First Official Celebration

The first official celebration of International Translation Day takes place.

2017

International Translation Day is Declared

30 September is declared as International Translation Day by the United Nations General Assembly.

2018

American Translators Association Celebrates

The American Translators Association (ATA) starts celebrating International Translation Day.

2019

A Day in the Life of a Translator

ATA releases a video depicting "A Day in the Life of a Translator or Interpreter.”

How Businesses Can Celebrate International Translation Day

Local businesses can honor International Translation Day by recognizing the multilingual skills of their employees or by offering services in multiple languages. Agencies could host a free ‘Introduction to Translation’ workshop, while tech companies might highlight the importance of localization for global markets. Restaurants could feature menus in different languages or showcase dishes with international origins. Consider partnering with a local language school or translation service for a joint event.

International Translation Day FAQs

When is International Translation Day?

International Translation Day 2026 falls on Wednesday, September 30. It’s a global observance honoring the essential work of language professionals.

How many languages are spoken in the world?

While exact numbers vary, linguists generally agree there are approximately 7,164 known living languages spoken around the world today. This incredible diversity highlights the complexity and richness of human communication.

What is the economic impact of the translation industry?

The global language services market is a significant industry, valued at over $60 billion annually and projected to grow steadily. This includes translation, interpretation, localization, and related language technologies, supporting international trade and communication.

What is the difference between translation and interpretation?

Translation involves converting written text from one language to another, often with the aid of tools and time for revision. Interpretation, on the other hand, is the oral conversion of spoken language in real-time, requiring immediate linguistic and cultural understanding.

International Translation Day Activities

Participate in events
This day is celebrated with a series of dedicated events, seminars, and symposiums across the world. You can take part in these events and learn about the work of translators.
Learn a language
Use this opportunity to learn a new language to catch a glimpse into the world of translators. If learning a language seems like too much work, try learning a few phrases from a foreign language and use them next time you are trying to impress someone.
Have a laugh
Where some translations bring about world peace, there are a few others that bring lots of laughter. Search for funny translations on Google and spend this day chuckling at some of the funniest translations you will ever come across.

5 Interesting Facts About Translation

World’s most translated book
The world’s most translated book is the Bible.
Mistranslation lead to the Hiroshima atomic bombings
A misinterpretation of the word ‘mokusatsu’ led to the death of thousands of people.
Translation is a $40 billion industry
An estimated 300,000 professional translators work in the world today.
The world’s most translated website
The world’s most translated website is the Jehovah’s Witnesses’ homepage.
Words translated
Translators can translate around 520,000 words per year.

Why We Love International Translation Day

It raises awareness
International Translation Day draws attention to the work of translators, interpreters, and others in the language service industry. Translators have the important task of bringing nations together, facilitating dialogue, understanding and cooperation, contributing to development, and maintaining diplomatic relations.
It pays tribute to translators
This day pays tribute to the work of translators and the interpreters who break down language barriers and help bring societies together. They allow us a chance to come closer and learn from each other, which benefits society as a whole.
It promotes cultural heritage
International Translation Day aims to promote cultural heritage and mutual respect throughout the world. Thus, it helps to bring nations together, contributing to development, and strengthening world peace and security.