30 September – International Translation Day
The purpose of establishing International Translation Day is to recognize the importance of this profession for interpersonal understanding, dialogue and cooperation between individuals, nations and cultures. This day has been celebrated since 1991 by a decision of the Council of the International Federation of Translators (FIT).
The date 30 September was chosen to honour the patron saint of translators, St. Jerome the Blessed, who has deceased on September 30, 420. St. Jerome translated the Bible from Greek and Hebrew into Latin between 383 and 406.
On 24 May 2017, the UN General Assembly adopted resolution 71/288, recognizing and including International Translation Day in its calendar of celebrations. The Association marks this day with conferences and meetings, discussing professional topics and issues, uniting with dignity and professionalism in an exceptional profession that requires not only knowledge of two or more languages, but also a broad general culture, imagination, resourcefulness and many other qualities.
From politics and international cooperation, to documents and specific terminology, to literature and culture, there is no area of human life that does not owe a debt to translators and their work.