English is the most prominent language in the world. As a result, one might question the importance of translation and ask: why doesn't everybody simply speak English?
The reality, however, is that not everybody can speak English, and fewer still are able to speak it well enough to communicate effectively. Perhaps even more importantly, language is much more than the communication of words. It is also an expression of culture, society, and belief. Promoting a universal language, therefore, would likely lead to a loss of the culture and heritage communicated through native languages.
Why translation still matters
Translation enables effective communication between people around the world. It is a courier for the transmission of knowledge, a protector of cultural heritage, and essential to the development of a global economy. Highly skilled translators are key, and Translation Studies helps practitioners develop those skills.
Part of a translator's job is to translate legal documents that allow people to work or study in other countries. Translators also translate books into other languages. Translators are necessary for the globalized culture in which we live.
Effective, efficient, and empathetic translation requires highly skilled practitioners. Courses in Translation Studies are a great way for linguists, language graduates, and translators to develop a deep understanding of the academic field and the skills to practise as translation professionals.
IT, localization, and the age of information
IT translation and localization is, thus far, the pinnacle manifestation of our human ability to connect, share, and benefit from one another's ideas, progressive achievements, and discoveries. It is a brilliant illustration of human social learning, and it is what has enabled such rapid advancement in the world of information technology.
We are called the "Age of Information" because of both our fervent desire and our ever-evolving ability to share, learn, and build upon knowledge across all channels. We can share ideas and information through innumerable methods and platforms: not only within technology and IT localization, but also broadcasting and journalism, academia, live language interpretation, and document translation. We share spoken information through audiobook translation, podcast translation, and more recently through creative formats like TED Talk translations and open-source translation programs. We are even able to share experiences of taste and smell through recipe translation.
There is no limit to the potential of social learning because of translation and localization LSPs - and, more specifically, because of localized information technology and its technical translators and facilitators.
Translation and global business
As communication and travel advance, geography is becoming less and less of a barrier to doing business. Companies benefit from working overseas. They can take advantage of the lower cost of products and services in some countries, the professional and industrial expertise of others, and additional markets to trade in.
When they trade in countries with a different native language, they need high-quality translation to communicate effectively. When there is a demand for translation, there are opportunities for translators; and when there is a demand for translators, there is a demand for Translation Studies. Translators need to learn the skills to practise at a high level, and perhaps even contribute to advancing the field further.
Looking ahead
Whilst English is the world's most prominent language at the moment, it may not always be. When a market emerges and grows rapidly, as the Chinese market has in recent years, the demand for translation to and from its native language is also likely to increase. Translation, therefore, remains critical for the spread of information, knowledge, and ideas - and for social harmony and peace.
