On the day of the death of St Jerome, the patron saint of translators, which falls on 30 September, the International Translation Day is celebrated around the world.
Jerome lived from 347 to 420. He was an eminent Christian writer, one of the Church Fathers and teachers of the Church, a theologian and a great expert in languages and a translator. He is best known as the author of the Vulgate, a translation of the Bible into spoken Latin.
The importance of the work of translators, interpreters, terminologists and all linguists is commemorated on this day, and various events are organised to promote these professions. For example, the Czech Union of Translators and Interpreters(JTP) annually organizes Jerome Days, two days full of lectures and seminars focused on translation and interpreting processes, technologies and new trends in the field.
Every year, this special day has a theme. For this year, the International Federation of Translators (FIT) has chosen the theme ”Translation: promoting cultural heritage in changing times”.
Cultural heritage is not only understood as monuments and collections of objects, but also so-called intangible cultural heritage, which, according to UNESCO, includes traditions or living expressions inherited from our ancestors and passed on to our descendants (oral traditions, performing arts, social practices, rituals and festive events, knowledge and practices relating to nature and the universe, knowledge and know-how necessary for traditional crafts). The world around us is constantly changing, undergoing climate change, political upheaval, economic change, technological advances and lifestyle changes. However, cultural heritage is something that should be preserved for future generations, something that should be nurtured and protected to preserve cultural diversity in the face of increasing globalization. As UNESCO states: “Cultural diversity is the common heritage of humanity. It is the source of the renewal of ideas and societies, through which we open ourselves to others and discover new ways of thinking. Diversity creates opportunities for peace and sustainable development.”
Let translation help build bridges between cultures and contribute to international dialogue and social cohesion.
Mgr. Petra Sendlerová, Translation and Interpreting Methodologist