KUWAIT: The European Union (EU) embassy in the State of Kuwait, in collaboration with the National Council for Culture, Arts and Letters (NCCAL), organized a special seminar on Monday, to mark the “International Translation Day,” celebrated annually on September 30. Established by the United Nations in 2017, the day highlights the vital role of translators and interpreters in fostering global communication and cultural exchange.

The lecture addressed the importance of translation in cultural exchange, its various forms, and the skills required for translators to do their jobs. The lecturer, Majdi Al-Musaeed, a media officer at the EU embassy, emphasized that translation, whether literary, scientific, or legal, requires a diligent and well-informed translator who understands the context before translating.

The theme for International Translation Day 2024 is “Translation for a Better Future.” This theme emphasizes the crucial role that translation plays in fostering understanding and collaboration across cultures, particularly in addressing global challenges and promoting sustainable development. It encourages translators to reflect on their impact and the potential of their work to contribute to a better, more interconnected world.

During the seminar, Musaeed emphasized that translators should avoid literal translation to ensure the text retains its intended meaning, KUNA reported. Translators should master typing skills in both Arabic and English to enhance their efficiency, he added. He also discussed the need for interpreters to be confident, especially when facing cameras, and to be well-informed about the topics being discussed at the press conference where they are interpreting by preparing in advance to ensure the accurate and reliable delivery. — KUNA