The translation blogosphere is abuzz today with posts about International Translation Day, celebrated each year on September 30, the feast of St. Jerome. If you’d like to learn more about St. Jerome and his works, hop on over to Jill Sommer’s post all about him.
Every year, the Fédération Internationale des Traducteurs/International Federation of Translators selects a theme for International Translation Day. This year’s is “Terminology: Words Matter.” As the FIT proclamation points out, “Affairs of state, public security, pandemics and natural disasters are examples of situations where clear communication, whether in a single language or in many languages, is essential. None of this would be possible without standardized terminology, which allows us to speak with one voice.”
I think that all of us who have found that “perfect word” with the help of a terminological resource can agree with FIT’s praise for terminologists. If a translator’s work is often unseen, a terminologist’s is even less glamorous but arguably more necessary. So, however you celebrate it, have a wonderful day and thank a terminologist!
I didn’t even realize that today was International Translation Day! Thanks for writing about this.
Also, it’s great that terminology is receiving the respect that it deserves. Standardizing terminology across languages and domains has been one of the great advances in the field of translation and made our jobs a lot easier.
@Clint, thanks for your comment! Truth be told, I am probably more likely to remember ITD because it’s also my and my husband’s birthday (no kidding!), but I do think it’s a nice chance to celebrate the profession. Go terminologists!
Belated Happy International Translation Day! Hooray to all translators! Keeping a good relationship with the client and doing outstanding work proves to them that often, you get the level of service you pay for. Check this free ebook for more tips http://www.tomedes.com/translator-make-it-happen.pdf and check http://www.tomedes.com/ for more translation jobs.