‘INTERCULTURAL HEROES, TRANSLATORS’
Izmir University of Economics, Department of English Translation and Interpreting organized a “September 30th International Translation Day” event at the IUE Conference Hall and stressed out that intercultural communication expanded. Faculty members, graduates, and students shared their experiences as part of the event, while future translators and interpreters had a chance to look at the profession at a different perspective.
Prof. Dr. Lütfiye Oktar, Head of IUE Department of English Translation and Interpreting, stated that International Translation Day was an outcome of successful activities by International Federation of Translators to gather everyone working in this field under one roof. Oktar said, “UNESCO initiated the celebration of International Translation Day in 1953 for the first time, and it became more official starting from 1991”.
Prof. Dr. Oktar indicated that the reason for celebrating it on September 30th was the date being the feast of St. Jerome, the Bible translator, who is considered the patron saint of translators. Prof. Dr. Oktar reminded that the translators were the unseen heroes behind the intercultural communication. “The translators provide the intercultural communication in every sector related to social sciences, natural sciences, economy, diplomacy, art, medicine, law, literature, and such,” stated Prof. Dr. Oktar.
Graduates of IUE Department of Translation and Interpretation, and junior and senior internship students shared their experiences at the event as well.
