Translation Day may be marked each 30th of September, but its importance lasts all year. A celebration of translators, interpreters, and everyone who helps bridge the gaps between languages.
The Power of Translation
Translation and multilingualism connect people across cultures, preserve traditions, and give more people access to knowledge. Language is more than words—it’s culture, identity, and connection. “Did you know the Universal Declaration of Human Rights is the most translated document in the world—with over 500 versions?” That’s a reminder of how powerful translation can be in creating understanding and building peace.
Raising Bilingual and Multilingual Generations
For families, this is a chance to reflect on the importance of raising bilingual or multilingual children. Studies show that learning more than one language supports literacy, improves problem-solving, and strengthens cultural understanding. In Burnaby—a city where over half of residents speak a language other than English at home—translation helps us stay connected to our roots while also engaging fully with our community.
Let’s recognize the value of languages in our daily lives. Let’s continue to honour translators, interpreters, and families who keep languages alive. Translation helps build empathy, cooperation, and peace—one word at a time.
Learn more about translation and its importance:
Explore more about raising bilingual kids studies:
- Bilingual Education in Canada
- Development of Reading Comprehension in Bilingual and Monolingual Children—Effects of Language Exposure
- Bilingual Home Literacy Experiences and Early Biliteracy Development among Chinese–Canadian First Graders
- Home literacy practices that support language and literacy development in bilingual children: a longitudinal case
- Does bilingualism matter for early literacy?