International Translation Day 2018

“Translation: Promoting Cultural Heritage in Changing Times”

ATA will be celebrating International Translation Day on Friday, September 28. (The official date is actually Sunday, September 30.) This is a great opportunity to spotlight the important work of translators, interpreters, and others in the language services industry.

Our goal is to use the platform of International Translation Day 2018 to raise awareness for the profession within our personal networks. We have an incredible opportunity to change the way the world views translators and interpreters just by being bold and sharing more about our jobs. Debunking the unfortunate myths and misunderstandings about translation and interpreting will help pave the way to a better future for our profession, and it can start right here in our own backyards. Stay tuned for more information as the date comes closer.

ATA is set to make this year’s International Translation Day all about reaching out and changing the way the world sees translators and interpreters.

Join us on September 28 for a social media blitz on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Pinterest, and Instagram to promote the professions. We’ll put up the posts, tweets, and downloadable infographics for you to share with family, friends, and clients.

Find us at #InternationalTranslationDay and #ataitd2018. Then jump in and make yourself heard!

What is International Translation Day?

International Translation Day is a relatively recent entry into the calendar of world events. Established by the International Federation of Translators (FIT), this annual celebration is an opportunity to pay tribute to the work of translators and interpreters who endeavor to make the world a slightly smaller place by breaking down language barriers. The day is marked with a series of dedicated events, seminars, and symposiums across the world.

2017 marked a historical milestone in the celebration of this event. On May 24, 2017, the United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution declaring September 30 to be International Translation Day, thanks to the longstanding work of FIT and its member associations, including ATA.

In preparation for 2019, which has been declared the International Year of Indigenous Languages by the United Nations, the FIT Council has selected “Translation: Promoting Cultural Heritage in Changing Times” as the theme for ITD 2018.

As defined by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), cultural heritage does not end with “monuments and collections of objects.” It includes intangible cultural heritage, such as knowledge, beliefs, and practices concerning people, nature, and our relationship with the universe. As a global community, we are seeing changes that bring previously separated cultures into face-to-face contact. As further pointed out by UNESCO, “An understanding of the intangible cultural heritage of different communities helps with intercultural dialogue and encourages mutual respect for other ways of life.”

ITD 2018 highlights the role of translation and interpreting in promoting cultural understanding and mutual respect in our changing world. Please join ATA and FIT in celebrating International Translation Day 2018 during the week of September 24-30, 2018.

Established in 1953, the International Federation of Translators is the world federation of professional associations, bringing together translators, interpreters, and terminologists. For more information, please visit www.fit-ift.org.