The I. U. celebrates the European Day of Languages and the International Translation Day 2013

At the initiative of the Council of Europe, Strasbourg, the European Day of Languages has been celebrated every year since 2001 on 26 September.

Throughout Europe, 800 million Europeans represented in the Council of Europe's 47 member states are encouraged to learn more languages, at any age, in and out of school. Being convinced that linguistic diversity is a tool for achieving greater intercultural understanding and a key element in the rich cultural heritage of our continent, the Council of Europe promotes plurilingualism in the whole of Europe.

Source: European Day of Languages

Official website: European Day of Languages

International Translation Day is celebrated every year on September 30th on the feast of St. Jerome, the Bible translator who is considered as the patron saint of translators.

The celebrations have been promoted by FIT (the International Federation of Translators ) ever since it was set up in 1953. In 1991 FIT launched the idea of an officially recognised International Translation Day to show solidarity of the worldwide translation community in an effort to promote the translation profession in different countries (not necessarily only in Christian ones).

Τhe theme for the 2013 celebration of International Translation Day (ITD) is "Beyond Linguistic Barriers - A United World".

According to the official announcement "International Translation Day (ITD), celebrated annually on 30 September, is an opportunity to showcase the profession and increase awareness of this vital work".

Source: International Federation of Translators

See also: International Translation Day - 30 September 2013: Beyond Linguistic Barriers - A United World