National Interpreter Appreciation Day is celebrated on May 7 this year. It is always observed on the first Wednesday of May. There are about 6,500 languages in the world, and, naturally, no one person can learn them all. A person who can speak more than five languages is rare and is called a polyglot. Thus, interpreters are needed in government offices, hospitals, businesses, and any organization that will have to deal with people from different linguistic groups or when sign language is needed. Interpreters never have it easy. They have to keep up with the communicators and make sure they pass clear and concise information in real-time.
History of National Interpreter Appreciation Day
Language is a complex yet simple form of communication. Most living beings will have a way to communicate with their own kind and sometimes with other species in their ecosystem. Humans are no different.
We’ve got the most complex and effective form of communication on earth. Humans first started using language around 50,000 years ago. Early humans probably used some forms of sign language to communicate. But the modern version was developed around the 17th century.
Globalization has made it difficult to work with just one or two languages. There are businesses, organizations, and government bodies that require people to interpret languages for them. Joshua Jones started a Facebook page for interpreters in 2013. He started the day by celebrating the talent and dedication of the interpreters who work diligently to keep communication always flowing.
National Interpreter Appreciation Day timeline
Most research agrees that the first language appeared 50,000 to 150,000 years ago.
Sumerian is the oldest written language in existence.
Egyptian sculptures show reference to interpreters.
Sign languages develop in Western societies during the 17th century.
National Interpreter Appreciation Day FAQs
What is the role of an interpreter?
An interpreter is a person who translates conversations from one language to another. Some interpreters work on verbal translation and others use sign language.
Why are interpreters so important?
When people from different language backgrounds need to communicate, interpreters make that communication possible.
Who needs an interpreter?
Examples include people who have to communicate with someone who talks in another language, is deaf, or of impaired hearing.
How to Observe National Interpreter Appreciation Day
Send a card
Send a card to an interpreter friend. Mention to them how much your respect and admire their profession.
Spend the day talking in another language
Talking in another language can help you learn faster. Additionally, it will help you appreciate the work of interpreters. Try to talk with your friends in another language.
Try to learn sign language
Sign languages can be useful to communicate with deaf people. Learning sign language is also easy compared with other verbal languages.
5 Facts About Sign Language That You Should Know
Different signs in different nations
Different countries use different sign languages.
Grammatical
Sign language has its own rules of grammar.
Brain damage effect
Brain damage can affect sign language in the same way it does verbal language.
Single hand signs
American sign language alphabets can be communicated using one hand whereas British signs need two hands.
Palm direction
Palm direction, if not correct, can change the meaning in sign language.
Why National Interpreter Appreciation Day is Important
A cool job
Interpreting is a cool profession. They help people from different backgrounds communicate.
Exposure to multiple languages
Interpreters always know more than one language. We all know how difficult it is to learn another language.
They help people, communities, and nations connect
Connected, we can understand each other. See what you can do on this day to contribute to your understanding of other people.
National Interpreter Appreciation Day dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | May 4 | Wednesday |
| 2023 | May 3 | Wednesday |
| 2024 | May 1 | Wednesday |
| 2025 | May 7 | Wednesday |
| 2026 | May 6 | Wednesday |
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