International Translation Day is celebrated on September 30, which coincides with Saint Jerome’s feast day. Jerome is best known for his translation of Hebrew and Greek scriptures into Latin (what is commonly known as the Vulgate Bible).
I asked a selection of today’s women in localization what International Translation Day means to them. Themes that emerged were the role of translators and interpreters in connecting people, cultures and ideas, translation as a tool for inclusivity, and the transformative power of translation in crafting narratives and enabling access for individuals and communities.
“International Translation Day is a reminder of why we are committed to the mission of localization. It reminds us of our industry’s past, present, and future. Our industry has never been a traditional one; we have always worked quietly behind the scenes, helping other industries connect with the world.
Our soft power lies in the knowledge of language and culture; our hard power lies in constantly keeping pace with the latest technology. The core principle of our industry has always been: “The present is the future.”
The localization industry will not disappear, nor will it be replaced. Without the human-centered infrastructure and collaboration that localization provides, AI is nothing more than unfiltered data.”
Ann Chen, Head of Sales APAC, Blend Localization
“For me, International Translation Day is a reminder of the impact translation and interpreting have on every aspect of our lives. It’s a reason to reflect on the importance of our professions and their transformation over the years. It’s an opportunity to share with friends and family about the work of translators and interpreters. It’s also a reason to celebrate our wonderful professional community!”
Veronika Demichelis, MA, MBA, CT English to Russian (ATA-certified) and Russian to English translator
“To me ITD means crafting brand stories and shaping narratives, one woman at a time.”
Wada’a Fahel, Strategic Advisor, Founder Locverse
“For me, International Translation Day is a celebration of the bridges we build – across languages, cultures and communities – and a reminder that our true impact lies beyond translation itself, in how we foster communication, solidarity and awareness. It highlights not only the beauty of our craft, but also the power of our community to come together and inspire meaningful change.”
Nertila Konda, Localization Expert & Founder of locinpink
“For me, International Translation Day is about connection. Inclusivity. Celebration. Possibilities. Smart Business.”
Allison McDougall, Director, Patient-Centered Solutions, IQVIA
“I always look forward to International Translation Day! In addition to being my *and* my husband’s birthday (no, really, I was born to be a translator!), it’s a moment to reflect on the big-picture meaning of what we do as multilingual communicators. When “someone”, a company, a patient, a doctor, a judge, a defendant, an author, can’t communicate in the language of someone else they want to reach, we are their voice. In a divided world, we bring people together across languages and cultures.”
Corinne McKay, French/English interpreter and translator. Court-certified, ATA-certified, Master of Conference Interpreting.
“For me, ITD is a recognition of the very critical role language service providers play in bridging the language and cultural gap. I mean, we have been a big part in making the world the global village it has become! We are also vital in ensuring that technological advancements reach even the most marginalized communities. At least they are aware of, and can understand, whatever new technological advancements there are in their own languages. So ITD is a special day set aside for the world to remember this, given that mostly we work ‘invisibly’.”
Lilliane Oloo| Language consultant, Translator/ Interpreter/LQA/Researcher (English, Swahili and Luo)
“International Translation Day is a chance to celebrate the people who break down language barriers. As a translation project manager, I don’t perform the translations, but I see the skill, patience, and care that translators bring to their work. It’s an honor that I get to help them build the bridges and processes that allow their voices to reach the world. It serves as a reminder of the connecting power of language and how it can foster empathy and make information accessible to all.”
Andrea Ortega, PMP
“I first heard about International Translation Day during my translation studies at university, when our lecturer taught us about St. Jerome. What hit home for me at that time was the realization of how huge the impact of a translation, and therefore of a translator, could really be! For me now, International Translation Day serves as a reminder of the importance of our work, and is a chance to pay tribute to the translators and other language professionals whose efforts enable dialogue, foster connection, and build valuable understanding across borders.”
Kim Shouler, Director, Business Development, Argos Multilingual
“AI translates text. Humans translate intent. On this International Translation Day, let’s celebrate the people behind the words who make global understanding possible.”
Tess Whitty, Multilingual SEO & UX Content Strategist
In the language services industry, we know that the work of translators and interpreters forms the foundation upon which our offerings are built. However, in society these people are often seen as “invisibles,” professionals whose work tends to be noticed only when something goes wrong. Therefore, it’s especially important to acknowledge the essential role that translators and interpreters play.
May we celebrate International Translation Day year after year.