Alert! Today is International Translation Day, instituted by Unesco upon the suggestion of the International Federation of Translators (FIT). 30 September was selected as it is the feast day of St Jerome, the patron saint of translators. (Yes, they have one.)
BOOK SA received a press release from the South African Translators’ Institute (SATI) - whose treasurer, Marion Boers, has just been elected president of FIT, and whose website is en route to being translated into all eleven official SA languages - for further enlightenment:
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International Translation Day offers an opportunity to draw attention to the importance of translators and interpreters in the world. These language practitioners often remain invisible and unacknowledged, yet their work makes a huge contribution to communication and interaction in all sorts of spheres, particularly in today’s globalised world.
This year’s celebration is particularly significant for two reasons:
1. The theme for 2008 is “Terminology: Words Matter”. In the South African context, the development of terminology in the African languages still has a long way to go. Some very good work is being done, but there is little coordination of the efforts. Language practitioners at the coalface are often faced with having to come up with suitable solutions on their own. What can be done to remedy this situation? The Pan South African Language Board (PanSALB) is holding a Standardisation of African Languages Terminologies Conference on 25 and 26 September — perhaps some innovative ideas will be forthcoming.
2. For the first time, an African has been elected President of the International Federation of Translators (FIT). This occurred at FIT’s 18th World Congress, held in Shanghai, China, at the beginning of August, when Marion Boers — a member of the executive of the South African Translators’ Institute and also their office manager — was elected to this position. Not only is she the first president from Africa, but also only the second president of the 55-year-old organisation to come from the southern hemisphere. Marion will serve as FIT President for three years.
The language profession has gained prominence in South Africa in the recent past. Under the new Constitution we acquired 11 official languages. With this came a need to develop the African languages to the same level as English and Afrikaans and — no less easy, it seems — to convince the speakers of those languages of their importance and the need to use them in order to raise their profile and status. This is an ongoing battle. The government has accepted a National Language Policy Framework, but little is being done to enforce its provisions.
Attached is some information on International Translation Day, which I hope you will be able to use to promote the work of language practitioners. Imagine what a mess we would be in without them!
Contacts for further information:
Prof. Anne-Marie Beukes: Chairperson of the South African Translators’ Institute (SATI): 083 675 8053
Mrs Marion Boers: SATI Office Manager: 011 803 2681
www.translators.org.za
www.fit-ift.org
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