The impact of translation on the world

The history of translation and the impact of linguists has allowed us to learn about cultures and civilisations that existed many centuries ago. Although the history of translation spans centuries, it has also been a powerful tool in helping to bridge the gap between cultural barriers, which remains true to this day.

How it started
Translation has a patron saint, Jerome, and he was named as the guardian for the profession after he translated the Bible in the 5th century. He wanted to create a version for those who only spoke Latin. He called it the Vulgata. Saint Jerome was the first translator who distinguished between secular (profane) and religious translation. The Bible is the first and the most translated book in the world. The translation is celebrated on 30 September, marking St. Jerome’s death. It’s known as International Translation Day.

The future of translation
Translation enables effective communication between people around the world. It is a courier for the transmission of knowledge, a protector of cultural heritage, and essential to the development of a global economy.

Nowadays, you can find everything you need on the internet, and translation is no exception. The written word allows society to express multitudes of opinions, ideas and insights. Being able to understand these expressions remains a fundamental right.

As we look to the future, we can expect to see translation entering more and more into the technological age. Though there is an underlying fear that human translators may one day be replaced by machines, that day is still far in the future.

All in all, the global market for translation services will continue to grow as the world continues to globalise. The translation industry will remain essential in helping society stay connected.