More than just a language barrier
International Translation Day was held on Friday 30th September, also known as "World Translation Day" to highlight the importance of translation in society.
Girma Kebede, a Birmingham-based community translator, spoke with us about the importance of translation in our multilingual society.
As a member of the Ethiopian community in Birmingham, Kebede’s work involves connecting Ethiopian asylum seekers with immigration officers.
“At the Home Office, I have had a few translation roles. I remember helping one girl with her asylum application. She was claiming she was persecuted for her beliefs as an evangelical believer,” said Kebede.
For Kebede, translation services are crucial as language barriers can pose major obstacles for those that do not understand the native language of the country they now live in.
He said: “Translation services are so important. Some members of our society like the elderly and those who recently arrived struggle to understand letters, verbal communications, instructions, etc. When they need medical help, translation is very important to get the right treatments.”
Translation services work to avoid the misunderstandings and frustrations involved with not being able to speak other languages outside of your home country.
Yelena McCafferty, a full-time translator, advocates for community translation and is aware of its importance and impact.
McCafferty, a UK-based award-winning Russian translator, has worked to assist Ukrainian refugees by translating their documents and she also directly works for solicitors on legal matters with Ukrainian clients.
She said: “Many Ukrainian refugees have their old documents in Russian which need translating. I have also recently had an inquiry about working with a Ukrainian company to conduct some negotiations in London.”
The university lecturer turned translator manager said that her work does not deal with simple emails as there are automated translators like Google Translator that are always increasing in accuracy.
McCafferty’s work is never dull; she also works as a genealogy translator and has even had her translation work appear on cinema screens as she works with film production companies.
In celebrating ‘International Translation Day’, the Russian native highlights the importance of translation in society.
“International Translation Day is my professional day. I think every profession should have one and back in Russia they do: they have Teachers’ Day, Notaries’ Day, Students’ Day etc. So this day helps me look back, evaluate and realise once again how much translation is about breaking barriers, building bridges, encouraging trade, reaching out, understanding cultures and much more!”