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On Monday, September 30, 2024, King Khalid University's Department of Translation took center stage at the central library in Al-Faraa to celebrate International Translation Day. Under the compelling slogan "We Translate Without Borders," the department spearheaded a series of events in collaboration with the Deanship of Electronic Services. Aiming to underscore translation's crucial role in facilitating intercultural communication and knowledge transfer, the department's initiatives highlighted their leadership in the field. The occasion drew a diverse audience of academics, students from the College of Languages and Translation, and enthusiasts of translation studies—all brought together by the department's dedicated efforts to connect global communities through language.

Addressing the assembly, Dr. Ahmad Ismail Asiri, Dean of the College of Languages and Translation, emphasized that translation extends far beyond the mere conversion of text between languages. "Translation is a cultural bridge," he remarked, "one that has facilitated the transfer of sciences and knowledge among peoples throughout the ages." Dr. Asiri highlighted translation's enduring role as a cornerstone in the development of civilizations, enabling humanity to exchange ideas and enrich the world's scientific and cultural heritage. He added, "The sciences of other nations have reached us through translation, and likewise, the Arab Islamic civilization has shared its knowledge with the world thanks to translators who understood the importance of making knowledge accessible to all."

Reflecting on the university's pivotal role, Dr. Asiri underscored King Khalid University's commitment—through the College of Languages and Translation—to preparing a new generation of translators adept at keeping pace with contemporary developments. "Our responsibility extends beyond linguistic proficiency to encompass understanding the technological advancements integral to modern translation processes," he stated. Dr. Asiri highlighted that the college operates in full alignment with the university's strategic plan, echoing the goals of Saudi Vision 2030 and the Asir Development Strategy to enhance educational outcomes and social responsibility. He affirmed the college's dedication to providing educational programs that meet the needs of society and the labor market, striving to offer quality education that molds students into leaders in their fields. "We are keen on designing distinguished programs," he added, "that allow students to delve deep into translation studies and equip them with the technical skills necessary to meet labor market demands."

During his speech, Dr. Asiri announced a new partnership with "PHRASE TMS", an advanced platform in translation project management and machine translation. This collaboration will enable students to access the latest technological tools in the field, opening new horizons for excellence and innovation. Concluding his remarks, the dean expressed his gratitude to everyone who contributed to organizing the event, with special thanks to the participating students and translators. He affirmed that they represent the future of translation in the Kingdom and emphasized the university's commitment to supporting them throughout their professional journeys.

Adding his perspective, Dr. Eisa Asiri, Head of the Translation Department at the College of Languages and Translation, highlighted that the event featured three panel discussions led by a select group of specialists in translation studies. These sessions explored significant topics such as the academic, research, and community efforts undertaken by the College at both local and regional levels. They also addressed the essential skills translators need to succeed in the job market and showcased the inspiring national contributions of the department's male and female students.

Enhancing the program's offerings, Dr. Eisa Asiri explained that the event featured six interactive training courses led by members of the Translation Department. These sessions showcased the latest specialized and scientific developments in translation studies, covering vital topics such as tourism translation, oral interpretation in the tourism sector, advanced translation techniques, localization of electronic games, the integration of artificial intelligence in translation, and essential academic skills for translators. He added that participants received complimentary subscriptions from global companies specializing in digital solutions for translators, providing them with valuable resources to enhance their professional capabilities.

By organizing this event to coincide with International Translation Day, the university aims to enhance the quality of education and learning in the field of translation while stimulating scientific research. The initiative provides valuable opportunities for faculty members and students to engage with the community, reaffirming that translation is a fundamental bridge for intercultural communication. Moreover, it reflects the university's commitment to developing the scientific and practical skills of its students and opening new horizons by staying abreast of the latest developments across various fields. This commitment is realized by providing an optimal environment for graduating professionals capable of making effective contributions to sharing Saudi culture and knowledge with the world.

For a visual glimpse into the event's highlights, including speeches from the leadership team and engaging moments from the day's activities, please click here to view the promotional video.