Language translators often perform crucial roles in helping people from different countries understand one another. This need has been around for a long time and, thanks to the rise of global business and the developments in technology, the demand for language translation services is rising.Recently, one professional involved in the field was bestowed an accolade in recognition of his achievements. Sidney Shapiro was handed a Lifetime Achievement Award in Translation by the Translators Association of China (TAC), Xinhua reports.
Originally from America, the talented individual, who has just turned 95, was given the honour for his outstanding work in helping people overseas learn about China’s history and its present.He was due to pick up the award for language translation during a ceremony in Beijing. However, health concerns prevented him from attending and so representatives from the TAC visited his home to give it to him. Mr Shapiro was not alone in getting the recognition. Four other language translators were presented with the same accolade.
Speaking to Xinhua, the expert noted that translation is an important way to let the world know about China.He remarked: “Translators like us have the responsibility to let the world know that China has the richest tradition of virtue.”The TAC was established in 1982 as the only national association in the field of translation within the country. As well as being an academic society, it functions as a trade association. The organisation handed out its first Lifetime Achievement Award in Translation in 2006.
Comprising a range of institutions, enterprises and individuals involved in the discipline, it aims to unite and organise translators and interpreters, as well as those devoted to the promotion of the profession. In addition, it conducts research in the field, trains people up in the skills needed to perform such roles effectively and protects the rights and interests of people in the sector.