International Translation Day

International Translation Day is celebrated every year on September 30. This holiday honors a profession that unites continents, countries, and cultures. Today, translators work in many fields—literary, technical, interpreting, terminology, and more. On this day, take a moment to appreciate linguists and thank them for their important and valuable work.

History

It is hard to imagine our world without translators, as we would not be able to enjoy foreign literature or watch films in different languages. Without them, many great achievements in science and culture would be inaccessible. Translators play a crucial role in bringing nations together, facilitating dialogue, and boosting international cooperation. The holiday was established by the International Federation of Translators in 1953.

Interesting Facts

• September 30 is also the feast day of St. Jerome, who translated the Bible from Greek manuscripts into Latin.
• The most translated book in the world is the Bible.
• The translation industry includes around 300,000 professionals and has an annual turnover of $40 billion.
• An average translator translates about 520,000 words per year.

How to Take Part

Thank translators for their dedication—if you know a linguist, reach out personally. If not, post your appreciation on social media. Try translating something yourself or enroll in a foreign language course. If you are considering your future career, think about working as an interpreter or translator—it’s a prestigious, honorable, and fascinating path.

When is International Translation Day in 2025?

International Translation Day is observed on September 30 each year.

Observations