Translation makes the world linguistically borderless. Not everyone realises this. Today is a day dedicated entirely to the art and importance of translation.
Which book is the most translated book in the world? The Bible, of course. It is estimated that its complete text is available in around 700 languages and individual parts in almost 3,900 languages. Imagine that the Bible only existed in its original language: the Old Testament in Hebrew and Aramaic, the New Testament in Greek. How could believers around the world engage with the word of God? How could ministers prepare for a divine service? How could we possibly preach the gospel if we did not have the translation of the Bible into our own language?
International Translation Day
No matter which field, whether church, politics, business, science, culture, or literature: translations and the people behind them are important. In 1954, the Fédération internationale des traducteurs (FIT), the global umbrella organisation for national associations of translators, interpreters, and terminologists, wanted to recognise this. This is why the federation in Paris launched Translation Day for the first time. In 1991, the association expanded the idea to a global International Translation Day, which was officially proclaimed by the UN General Assembly on 30 September 2017.
The date was not chosen at random. It is the anniversary of the death of Jerome, a Church Father from north-western Italy who lived in the fourth and fifth centuries. He was the earliest known translator to have translated the Old Testament into the Latin spoken at the time. He is considered the patron saint of translators. International Translation Day celebrates the feast of Saint Jerome.
Acknowledging the work of translators
Computer-aided translations mean that professional translators are becoming less and less important in the public eye. Translation Day therefore puts the focus on the importance of their work, because a computer programme cannot do what a person can: “Understanding linguistic nuances, emotions, wordplay, and content ‘between the lines’ and translating them correctly into another language.” The well-known Spanish translator García Yebra emphasises: “Translation is perhaps the most important process for the dissemination of culture.”
It also facilitates dialogue and communication and promotes understanding between cultures: “Translators have the ability to connect two different cultures.” In its function, it unites peoples, promotes peace, and serves understanding. It also makes everyday life easier in many ways. Think of your own literature at home, the latest TV series or streaming services, or simply the instruction manual of your new mixer. Translation “makes the world linguistically borderless”.
Every year, the International Federation of Translators chooses a new annual theme for International Translation Day. “Translation, shaping a future you can trust” is the 2025 theme, highlighting the important role of human trust. Translators specifically are responsible for ensuring trustworthy communication, building dialogue and trust between parties.
Translators in the Church
It is clear that nothing would work at the international level without translators. Thanks to them, the Bible is accessible to everyone. Even in the New Apostolic Church there would be communication difficulties. Thanks to interpretation and translation, divine services can be understood all over the world in a wide variety of languages. The Pentecost service alone is interpreted into some 20 languages. Thanks to translators, our Church magazines such as community or the news portal nac.today can be read and understood worldwide. Thanks to them, we understand one another.
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