International Translation Day

International Translation Day

International Translation Day is an annual celebration dedicated to honoring translators and language professionals worldwide. Observed on September 30, it coincides with the feast day of St. Jerome, the patron saint of translators, who famously translated the Bible into Latin. This day highlights the critical role of translators in fostering communication, cultural exchange, and global understanding.

Quick Facts

When is it?: September 30
Tagged as: A day to honor translators and interpreters
What’s the hashtag?: #InternationalTranslationDay
When was it founded?: 1991 (officially recognized by the UN in 2017)
Who founded it?: International Federation of Translators (FIT)

History

The idea for International Translation Day was proposed by FIT in 1991 to show solidarity with the global translation community. In 2017, the United Nations officially adopted September 30 as International Translation Day through Resolution 71/288. The date honors St. Jerome, whose contributions to translation have had a lasting impact on global communication.

Timeline

1953: FIT established to promote translation as a profession.
1991: FIT proposes International Translation Day.
2017: UN officially adopts September 30 as International Translation Day.

Dates by Next Year

Year	Month and Date	Day
2025	September 30	Tuesday
2026	September 30	Wednesday
2027	September 30	Thursday
2028	September 30	Saturday
2029	September 30	Sunday
2030	September 30	Monday

Observed

International Translation Day is celebrated globally with events such as workshops, seminars, and contests that recognize translators’ contributions to breaking down language barriers and promoting peace.

Fun Facts About

St. Jerome’s Latin translation of the Bible is known as the Vulgate.
Translators handle millions of pages annually across various industries.
The UN hosts an annual St. Jerome Translation Contest in multiple languages.

Quiz

Who is considered the patron saint of translators?
(Answer: St. Jerome)
When did the UN officially adopt International Translation Day?
(Answer: 2017)
What is the hashtag for this day?
(Answer: #InternationalTranslationDay)

FAQs

Q: Why is September 30 chosen for International Translation Day?
A: It coincides with St. Jerome’s feast day, honoring his contributions as a translator.

Q: What is the significance of this day?
A: It recognizes translators’ vital role in bridging linguistic gaps and promoting global understanding.

Q: Who organizes the celebrations?
A: FIT and various organizations worldwide host events to celebrate the day.

Importance

International Translation Day emphasizes the indispensable role of translators in connecting cultures, preserving languages, and fostering international collaboration.