By: Zinhle Bhuda
Twitter: @zp_bhuda
Email:
pzinhle560@gmail.com
The Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) hosted a
successful event to celebrate International Translation Day, highlighting the
crucial role of translation in promoting global understanding and cultural
exchange.
The event, which was held on Tuesday, September 17, brought together students,
academics, and industry professionals working in translation, interpretation,
and language studies. The ceremony was intended to highlight the significance
of translation in the political economy and the future of African languages.
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| Panel discussion by translation and interpreting experts Photo by: Zinhle Bhuda |
The event began with a keynote address by Julius Dantile, a renowned specialist in translation studies and Executive Head of Languages at the Pan South African Language Board, who outlined the purpose of the day and emphasized the importance of translation in today's connected world. "We are celebrating the oldest procedure or recognized profession, interpreting and translation. When different people from different locations began to communicate, there was supposed to be an interpreter, someone who knew both sides and could aid understanding," Dantile noted.
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| SADiLar's Executve Director, Langa Khumalo(left) and PanSALB CEO Lance Schultz(right) Photo by: Facebook @PanSALB |
It proceeded to multiple panel discussions by experts in
the industry from various organizations such as the Pan South African Language
Board, SADiLar and the SABC, who discussed
topics such as language policy, the roles of translation and interpreting in
public services and the mainstream media, intellectual property, the
research on the impact of translation in a political economy,
language planning, and African language translation challenges and suggested
solutions.
Landela Langintsimbi from the City of Tshwane who was a
panelist on the role of translation and interpreting in public services
emphasized on what the City of Tshwane does to provide translation and
interpreting services in the local government and the types of initiatives they
take as an organisation to promote multilingualism. She added that they are very
much alive in different areas, they don’t only translate bylaws but also translate
governmental statements that go out to the members of the public.
Below is a link to a video of Langa Khumalo's message of support:
TUT students were equipped with a unique opportunity to
learn about diversity of languages, cultural sensitivity, and the role of
translation in global communication. They also got to learn about translation
theories, procedures, and industry standards while also networking with
professionals. Anele Thari said, “I am so grateful to have been part of such an
amazing event because it given me ideas to improve my research, critical
thinking, and presentation abilities”.
TUT will continue to collaborate with such established organisations in the future and host many other events of such kind.
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