The Story Behind International Translation Day

International Translation Day is celebrated every year on 30 September, the feast day of Saint Jerome. Saint Jerome (~342-420 AD) is known as the patron saint of translators and is recognized for translating the Bible into Latin.

The significance of Jerome’s translation can be appreciated not only by Biblical scholars but also by modern-day linguists. What set apart Jerome’s translation was his use of original source texts, his clarity of exposition, and his fidelity to translation. (Sound familiar?)

Jerome proposed returning to the original source text—the Hebrew version—to correct mistakes introduced over the years by inaccurate translations and inattentive copyists. After 23 years of labor, Jerome finished his translation, later known simply as the Vulgate. For nearly a thousand years, the Vulgate was the basis for translations into other languages and remains an essential legacy of translation and Biblical scholarship and a cause for celebration by those in the translation industry.

From https://www.gala-global.org/international-translation-day-and-loveyourlinguist

What a few writers have said about translations

“Writers make national literature, while translators make universal literature.”

– José Saramago

“Translation is not a matter of words only: it is a matter of making intelligible a whole culture.”

– Anthony Burgess

“Translation is that which transforms everything so that nothing changes.”

― Günter Grass

“I just enjoy translating, it’s like opening one’s mouth and hearing someone else’s voice emerge.”

― Iris Murdoch

“Without translation I would be limited to the borders of my own country. The translator is my most important ally. He introduces me to the world.”

― Italo Calvino

“Translation unveils a world of human experience, allowing us a window into cultures other than those we know.”

“Translators accord those in crisis their humanity, giving them access, agency, dignity, and the chance to connect. They are the human faces of advocacy and diplomacy, keeping communication flowing in the difficult circumstances.”

INTERNATIONAL TRANSLATION DAY

International Translation Day, held on September 30th, pays tribute to language professionals who offer translation and interpretation services. Translators bring nations together, facilitate dialogue, and contribute to world peace.

There are over 6,500 spoken languages in the world. Overcoming language barriers can be challenging, but translators and interpreters make it easier. Translation and interpretation are two different things. Translation involves the written word, while interpretation involves the spoken word.

Bruma Publications is committed to translating Azorean Literature from Portuguese to English and Azorean-American writers into Portuguese. We are also dedicated to translating a select group of contemporary Portuguese writers from mainland Portugal to English and writers from the Lusophone world.