By SANI IBN SALIHU
International Translation Day 2025 was marked on September 30 with the theme, ‘Translation, Shaping a Future you can Trust’. This theme underscores the crucial role of translators, interpreters and terminologists in ensuring trustworthy communication, fostering dialogue and building trust between parties, particularly in turbulent times.
The observance also highlights the importance of human trust in translation at a time when artificial intelligence-generated text and machine translation are increasingly being used.
Importance of International Translation Day
The significance of this day lies in its ability to promote cultural understanding by bridging language gaps and enabling cross-cultural communication, thereby fostering global unity. It also supports international development and peace by playing a vital role in relations between nations and in peacekeeping efforts, making translation indispensable to the fabric of global dialogue.
Beyond these roles, International Translation Day provides an opportunity to recognise and celebrate the tireless work of translators, interpreters and terminologists, who, often behind the scenes, make international cooperation and communication possible.
Why September 30?
The date of the celebration was chosen to commemorate the feast day of St. Jerome, the priest and scholar renowned for translating the Bible into Latin. St. Jerome is regarded as the patron saint of translators, and his legacy reflects the very foundation of the profession as a bridge between cultures and systems of knowledge.
Marking the celebration
Across the world, International Translation Day is marked in diverse ways. People share quotes and messages of appreciation to recognise translators and their invaluable work. Others take the opportunity to learn new languages by using freely available resources, thus expanding their linguistic abilities.
In some places, the day is observed by promoting multiculturalism, expressed through clothing, cuisine and traditional practices that embody diversity.
Furthermore, professional communities also gather in seminars, webinars and workshops to discuss the challenges and advancements in the field of translation, ensuring that the profession continues to adapt and thrive in a fast-changing world.
As we commemorate the 2025 International Translations Day, I urge us all to reflect seriously on the theme of this year’s observance, which centres on trust and peace. How is your translation work positively impacting trust and peace in our society?
By reflecting on this theme, we may come to realise that sustaining trust in our audiences ultimately makes us ambassadors of peace in Nigeria.