This year, the theme of the International Federation of Translators (FIT)-sponsored “International Translation Day” is a little…un-flashy: Translation Quality for a Variety of Voices. (For an explanation of what that means, FIT’s un-flashy press release.)
Nonetheless, PEN International has put out a flashy brochure and lineup to celebrate the day in London.
International Translation Day—for those who don’t already have it on their calendars—is September 30, apparently set to coincide with the feast of St. Jerome, the Bible translator who some consider their patron saint. However, FIT insists that “International Translation Day is resolutely secular and non-denominational.“
Translation enthusiasts will pay £20 for entry and £10 for concessions for the day-long PEN seminar, the only event I’ve found marking the day.
At 1 p.m., the day will have one of my favorite events: a “Live Translation Slam,” wherein renowned translators Margaret Jull Costa and Nick Caistor will “go head-to-head, independently translating a Spanish text before coming together to debate their different English language versions in front of a live audience.”
Other events include a discussion of how to get more translated lit “out there,” funding models, translation of children’s books, and a celebration of the winner of the Harvill Secker Young Translator’s Prize (this year for a Spanish-language translator).
To book a ticket, go to freewordonline.com.
ProZ.com’s 2010 virtual conference on September 30th celebrating International translation day is 100% free to attend. Over 30+ hours of educational content, networking, seminars, panel discussions, exhibit hall with 27 exhibitors from software vendors offering 50% off to recruiters looking for translation professionals.
Visit http://www.proz.com/translation3 and join the 8,000+ from 100 countries and 100 languages already attending.
Drew
Thanks for pointing out what looks like an interesting day. We are based in London and I might try to get along – work allowing. I like the idea of a translation “slam”: an innovative and interesting way of exploring very real issues.
As part of this year’s celebrations, you might also be interested in our International Translation Day e-card which is free to download.
Well written blog, by the way!