How does scientific research become popular worldwide? How come novels and poetry, theory and practice have crossed the world? How has cultural and religious exchange become possible around the globe? How do we find out what has occurred in the other part of the world? To a large extent by building linguistic bridges across the channels that divide language spheres and cultural regions, whether by the rewriting of messages and works in another tongue, which is the work of translation services, or through other interventions by individuals who possess knowledge in more than one language and can therefore act as cultural mediators.
The role of interpreters has been essential when political or economic matters have had to be addressed. The invention of the printed press enabled translators to play the role of teachers who would pass their knowledge on religion, literature and history to further generations. Spreading the literary tradition of a language would be impossible if translation were not used. It was Martin Luther who was responsible for popularizing the German language when his German Translation helped translate the Bible into German. Indeed, the history of international contact and cultural development, within and beyond Europe, can be traced by noting the routes of translation. In a world whose economic growth and technological development play a key role in shaping up societies translation is the basic means of providing the link between businesses and governments. While this development is far from having reached all parts of the world in equal measure, it is true that science, media, entertainment, commerce, and the many forms of international relations embrace the globe so extensively now, that translation becomes an almost overwhelming issue, indeed a ‘problem’. Many see a possible solution in the adoption of a single global language, and it seems that English is well on its way to taking on this international role, as Latin did in the Late Middle Ages and Renaissance.
And even Latin cannot be discounted as an “extinct” language. Latin is the language of medicine and a high quality Medical Translator should provide a fair amount of expertise in this area. Logically students in medicine must attend Latin courses before graduation. A solid foundation in Latin is also a good idea for anyone studying law and in the provision of Legal Translator. This is because much of the legal terminology used in the western world comes directly from ancient Rome and the Latin language. Communication problems are more easily solved with the help of solid knowledge of Latin.
But the notion of a global culture in a single language is not a promising prospect; indeed, it is, perhaps fortunately, virtually inconceivable. Vital cultural expressions always involve both the local and the global; the problem of translation is inherent in them, and therefore also in their dispersion and historical delivery. In the world of literature, and in many domains of knowledge and culture, the need for translation is as great as ever. It is a demand for common communication between cultures sharing ideas in different tongues. This will also mean understanding within cultures which may be more dividing than it appears. The discovery of the other within ourselves also springs from translation. And, it is translation services that provide us with a glimpse into that other world and time. Thus we are forced to question ourselves when we learn about the life of other peoples. And this ultimately leads to better understanding of others as well as tolerance for different ways of doing things.
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