International Translation Day

Sorry I missed this anniversary.* Yesterday, the 30th of September, was International Translation Day. Lit Hub informs us that “The date was chosen by the United Nations [in 2017] to coincide with the feast of St. Jerome, who translated the Bible into Latin (his version is now known as the Vulgate) and [he] is considered to be the patron saint of translators.” Saint Jerome translating away— (Ghirlandaio, 1480). Keep your eyes on the page please. That’s how errors creep in. In its resolution the UN claims that “professional translation, as a trade and an art, plays an important role in upholding the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations, bringing nations together, facilitating dialogue, understanding and cooperation, contributing to development and strengthening world peace and security.” The Lit Hub story provides links to many of these professional translators discussing their craft. The UN is not of course celebrating Google Translate, or AI-assisted online…