Every year on September 30th, the world comes together to celebrate International Translation Day 2025. Established by the United Nations to honor the legacy of St. Jerome, the patron saint of translators, this day shines a light on the critical role of translators and interpreters in bridging cultures, industries, and communities (UN Reference).
In an era defined by global trade, migration, and rapid information exchange, the importance of translation is clearer than ever. Translation is not simply about converting words from one language to another — it’s about creating understanding, fostering trust, and ensuring access to opportunities.
Why Translation Still Matters in 2025
Translation affects nearly every sector:
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Healthcare: Patients need clear instructions, medical forms, and consent documents in their preferred language.
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Legal & Government: Court documents, immigration records, and compliance notices must be precisely translated to uphold justice.
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Education: Families rely on translation services for schools to understand report cards, special education plans, and disciplinary notices.
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Insurance & Finance: Policy documents and claims require clarity to prevent misinterpretation.
Without accurate translation, the risks are high: from legal disputes to health crises, poor communication costs lives and damages trust.
Human Translators vs AI: Striking the Balance
Artificial Intelligence has advanced rapidly, and AI-powered translation tools are now common in everyday life. While these tools offer speed and convenience, they fall short in areas that require context, nuance, and compliance.
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AI struggles with cultural sensitivity, idioms, and industry-specific terminology.
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Human translators bring ethical responsibility, confidentiality, and the ability to ask clarifying questions.
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In regulated fields like healthcare, law, and government, human translators vs AI is not a debate - human expertise is essential.
Even the American Translators Association emphasizes that while AI has its place, professional linguists remain irreplaceable in contexts where accuracy and compliance are non-negotiable (ATA Reference).
Honoring the People Behind International Translation Day
At its heart, International Translation Day 2025 isn’t just about services and compliance - it’s about people.
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Linguists (Translators & Interpreters): These professionals dedicate years of training to master languages, cultural nuances, and industry-specific knowledge. They’re the ones ensuring that families understand school policies, patients receive safe medical care, and businesses thrive across borders. Without them, communication would break down.
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Clients & Organizations: Every time a school district, hospital, law firm, or government agency invests in professional translation services, they show respect for linguistic diversity and equal access. Their decision to prioritize accurate, human-first communication drives the demand that keeps this industry thriving.
On this day, we celebrate both:
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The linguists who give their expertise, empathy, and precision to every word.
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The clients who recognize the value of professional translation and make inclusion a priority.
At Ad Astra, we’re grateful to collaborate with both groups, because together, they make meaningful communication possible.
The Bigger Picture: Raising Awareness Through Translation
International Translation Day is also about translation awareness - helping the public understand why translation matters. Too often, people confuse translators with interpreters, or assume automated tools can replace human expertise. This day is our chance to educate, advocate, and inspire.
Consider this: the Limited English Proficient (LEP) population in the U.S. exceeds 25 million people (U.S. Census Bureau). That’s millions of families, workers, and patients who depend on high-quality language services to fully participate in society. Translation isn’t a luxury - it’s a lifeline.
How Ad Astra Leads in Translation Services
For more than 15 years, Ad Astra has supported clients across healthcare, legal, government, education, and insurance with:
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Professional human translators with subject-matter expertise
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Secure translation platforms ensuring compliance with HIPAA, FERPA, and federal regulations
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Support in 300+ languages including rare and Indigenous languages
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Technology integration with platforms like Zoom and Microsoft Teams
Whether we’re translating a patient discharge summary, an asylum application, or an academic report card, our mission remains the same: breaking barriers and building trust through language.
Final Thoughts
International Translation Day 2025 is more than a celebration - it’s a reminder of the importance of translation in every part of life. It’s about recognizing the power of words, the dedication of linguists, and the clients who champion access and inclusion.
So today, we honor both the professionals behind the scenes and the organizations that make language access a priority. Together, we create a world where communication is not a privilege, but a right.
Contact Ad Astra today and discover how our professional translation services can support your mission.
