Happy International Translation Day!
This first appeared in Lit Hub’s Literary History newsletter—sign up here. Today is International Translation Day. The date was chosen by the United Nations to coincide with the feast of St. Jerome, who translated the Bible into Latin (his version is now
International Translation Day is celebrated today, a day chosen by the United Nations to honor the work of translators. This day coincides with the feast of St. Jerome, who is known as the patron saint of translators for his translation of the Bible into Latin, the Vulgate. The United Nations General Assembly passed a resolution in 2017 recognizing the importance of professional translation in promoting understanding, dialogue, cooperation, development, and world peace and security.
Books in translation are a joy to read, and there are many perspectives on the art and craft of literary translation. Experts such as Anton Hur, Idra Novey, Damion Searls, Kristen Renee Miller, Chloe Garcia Roberts, Moeen Farrokhi, Michael R. Katz, and Elena Marcu share their insights on topics ranging from the challenges of translating complex works to the ways in which translation can enrich one's own writing.
For those looking for book recommendations in translation, there are lists available covering novels, works from university presses, collaborative translations, and even literature in the aftermath of genocide.
Written by urgent.news from Literary Hub's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
