Today, ApexTra takes you on a journey back in time, to discover the key eras of translation. Let’s go!

Translation, the invisible bridge that links languages and transcends borders, has a history as rich and complex as the civilizations it has united. From the Septuagint of antiquity to contemporary machine translation, each stage of this linguistic epic has helped shape the world as we know it.

The First Steps: the Septuagint and the Romans (Antiquity)

The history of translation begins with the Septuagint, a Greek translation of sacred Hebrew texts produced around 300 BC. This act paved the way for a practice that quickly spread across cultures. The Romans followed suit, translating Homer’s epic works among others, thus widening access to literature and knowledge.

Arabian Radiance: Avicenna, Averroes, and the Medieval Renaissance (Middle Ages)

The Middle Ages saw the emergence of another major force in the world of translation, embodied by Arab scholars such as Avicenna and Averroes. Their translations of Greek medical and philosophical texts have preserved and passed on an essential intellectual legacy. These works played a central role in the medieval Renaissance, fueling Europe’s intellectual awakening.

Printing and Accessibility (15th century)

The advent of printing in the 15th century marked a decisive turning point in the history of translation. Works could now be reproduced en masse, making knowledge more accessible. Erasmus’ Latin translation of the New Testament illustrates this era of mass dissemination of knowledge, laying the foundations for the modern era of translation.

Luther’s Bible and the emergence of national languages (16th century)

The 16th century forever marked the history of translation with Martin Luther’s translation of the Bible into German. Beyond its religious impact, this bold undertaking helped shape the German language, proving that translation was not just a linguistic act, but also a cultural catalyst.

The Enlightenment and the Spread of Ideas (18th century)

During the Enlightenment, translation played a crucial role in the dissemination of philosophical ideas. The writings of thinkers such as Voltaire were translated and widely distributed throughout Europe, contributing to the evolution of mentalities and the spread of enlightened principles.

Nationalism and Identities (19th century)

In the 19th century, translations played an essential role in the nationalist movement. Writers such as Adam Mickiewicz, whose works have been translated into several European languages, have contributed to the affirmation of distinct national identities.

World Wars and Strategic Translation (20th century)

The two world wars catapulted translation to the heart of military and diplomatic communications. Deciphering the Enigma codes during the Second World War required linguistic expertise and complex translation to interpret the German messages.

Globalization and Machine Translation (20th century)

The globalization of the 20th century has intensified the demand for professional translations. In 1954, the IBM 701 marked the beginning of machine translation, ushering in an era when language barriers seemed on the verge of collapse.

The Present and Future of Translation

Today, translation is an omnipresent part of our daily lives. International companies are investing heavily in localization to reach diverse audiences. Translators, although sometimes assisted by automated tools, remain the guardians of linguistic and cultural subtleties.

Anecdotes:

  • The Septuagint takes its name from the seventy (Latin: septante) translators who worked on its production.
  • The word “translation” comes from the Latin “traducere,” meaning “to carry through” or “to transmit.”

In conclusion, translation is much more than a simple transposition of words; it is a force that has forged links between cultures and eras. It continues to evolve, promising a future where language barriers may be even more tenuous.