A few days ago I was browsing around the World Wide Web in search of inspiration for an interesting post when I discovered that there is a Translation Day!!! It actually takes place on the 30^th September around the world and has been promoted by the FIT, the International Federation of Translators, whose members are not individuals, but associations of translators, interpreters and terminologists around the globe.

When I read the text regarding Translation Day, I was really impressed by its words, so I think it is worth copying the first paragraph here:
Imagine a world without translators: How would we communicate with each other? With nearly 7,000 languages spoken around the globe, trade and cultural exchange would be impossible. Leaders of nations could not talk to each other. Scientific discoveries could not be shared. Books could be read only by those who speak the author’s language. Cross-border traffic would come to a halt. Breaking news would reach only a select few. The Olympic Games could not be held. Nations in distress would not receive assistance from more fortunate ones.

This is a very broad perspective, and the text goes on encouraging associations of professionals to organise events to raise awareness about translation and interpreting. I thought that Google would have picked up on this, so I checked the Doodle from 30^th September 2010, but unfortunately it was for the 50^th anniversary of the Flintstones. Although I do love that cartoon, I believe that a Doodle would definitely go a long way in raising awareness about translators and interpreters, or at least inspire people to think about them.

Do you have any suggestions to help promote the image and role of linguists? In the meantime… get ready for the big day!