Given the current global context, there is a rapidly increasing trend of both domestic and international companies expanding their investment demands across all industries. As a result, Translation is becoming increasingly recognized as a crucial language bridge, supporting the development of objectives and strategies in the international market.
Throughout thousands of years of history, Translation has played a pivotal role in “transmitting knowledge” through language, enabling the development of new ways of thinking and elevating the level of intellectual advancement. To better understand the significance of Translation, let us delve into some insights about…
Historical Period
According to Western scholars, the spoken language existed over 25 million years ago, and writing was formed in the 3rd century BCE (Before Common Era) from pictorial drawings carved on rocks, leaves, clay, animal bones, and other materials. Starting in the 26th century BCE, the written language continued to develop rapidly. However, alongside the development of civilization, humans experienced intense competition, oppression, and even racial and class discrimination.
Therefore, historians believe that the birth of Jesus Christ was the salvation of humanity, providing a message of love and unity. According to historical records, Jesus was a Jew born in the early 1st century BCE and passed away at the age of 33 in Judea. After his death, a religious historian named Moses rewrote the Old Testament in the 13th century BCE. In addition, four authors – Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John – wrote the New Testament in Hebrew, Arabic, and Greek based on his teachings. Later, these were compiled into the Bible and placed in solemn locations.
Photo: Writing the Books of the Bible
The Father of the Translation Industry
According to Roman historical records, Jerome (347 AD – 420 AD) was born in the town of Stridon, in the province of Dalmatia (now part of the Republic of Croatia). He graduated in philosophy and history from Rome, Italy. Then, he traveled to France and Germany, to study religious philosophy. Finally, he chose to stay in Antioch, Syria, which was known as a center of the Christian faith at that time. Out of his love for Jesus Christ, he decided to become a priest there and lived a life of hardship. He was particularly fond of reading books, especially the Bible. In addition, he was proficient in seven languages: Illyrian, Aramaic, Syriac, Latin, Greek, Hebrew, and Arabic. Due to his extensive knowledge, he was granted the title of Doctor of the Church, one of the most learned men of his time.
Recognizing his talents, Pope Damasus encouraged and supported him to translate the Bible for others to read. Jerome also wished to translate the Old Testament from Hebrew to Latin so that the love of God could be spread more widely. He started this translation work in 382 AD, which lasted more than 20 years. Finally, in 405 AD, the Latin translation was completed, which is known as the Vulgate. Historians confirm that this was the first translation of the Bible in the world, carried out by Jerome. He passed away on September 30, 420 AD, in Bethlehem, Palestine. Since then, he has been regarded as the Father of the Translation Industry.
Photo: Saint Jerome, Father of the Translation Industry
The most translated text in the world
In 1380, the Vulgate was translated into English by the translator John Wycliffe. In 1525, William Tyndale re-translated the source text from Greek into English, which was also the first book to be published and marked the period of printing technology development in Europe. In addition, the King James Version is the English translation standard for the Christian Bible, published in 1611 in the United Kingdom under the patronage of King James I.
In 1947, archaeologists excavated the Qumran region to search for relics and discovered 870 manuscripts mainly in Hebrew, along with Aramaic. Researchers not only restored the materials but also authenticated the time, which is completely consistent with history.
The Bible has since been listed in the Guinness World Records for the highest number of translations in the world, translated into an estimated 3,700 languages by thousands of international translators. The Vietnamese translation was first published in 1926.
Meaning of the Translation Industry
Recognizing the importance of language in daily life, the International Federation of Translators (FIT) was quickly established in 1953 to build and connect relationships between translation companies worldwide, regardless of religion and belief. In 1991, the Federation decided to designate September 30th of each year as International Translation Day, commemorating the feast day of St. Jerome – The Father of the Translation Industry played an instrumental role in paving the way for the development of the translation industry as it exists today. At the same time, it honors and calls on those who are currently working in the field of translation to “continue to strive to contribute to bringing valuable knowledge and humanity to society.”
Among them, PLG Translation has contributed to thousands of important translation projects, helping professionals to successfully conduct transactions with reputable organizations worldwide. The majority of our clients include businesses, government agencies, religious organizations, schools, and hospitals.
Thanks to the trust of both domestic and international partners, as well as active community-oriented activities, PLG Translation has somewhat affirmed its role as a connector in bringing language solutions to the international market.
By TVVN Press
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