In today’s globalized world, we are constantly exposed to translated text and multilingual environments. But what about the ancient times? What is the origin of translation and its history?
The Word
The English word “translation” comes from Latin trans(across) and latus, the past principle of ferre(to bring, to carry). Therefore, the etymology of translation is to “carry across” meaning from one language to another.
But the history of translation foregoes its name.
The Rosetta Stone (196 BCE)
The most famous example of ancient written translation is the Rosetta Stone.
The Rosetta Stone is a black granodiorite stone inscribed with a decree issued by King of Egypt Ptolemy V in three languages: Ancient Egyptian, Demotic, and Ancient Greek.
Thanks to the rediscovery of the artifact in 1799, scholars were finally able to decipher the majority of the ancient Egyptian hieroglyphics and Demotic writing. Today the Rosetta Stone is displayed at the British Museum in London.
Translating Religion
During the middle ages Christianity, Islam, and Buddhism made use of the activity to spread their belief respectively in Europe, the Arab world, and the far East:
- In 1382 English scholar John Wycliffe published the first English translation of the Bible in Oxford, translating it from Latin;
- In the 13thcentury, King of Castille Alfonso X founded the Schola Traductorum (School of Translation) in Toledo (Spain), where Muslim, Jewish, and Christian translators translated scientific work and debated on religion;
- The Tangut Empire in Asia (1038-1277) promoted the spread of Buddhism thanks to the newly invented woodblock printing. The technique boosted the diffusion of texts by hundreds of times with respect to handwriting.
Translation Today
Today’s technology made translation far quicker and more affordable. People can look up the meaning of foreign words on Google Translate, or contact language service providers anywhere in the world for professional translation services.
Thanks to a network of more than 2000 translators worldwide Langpros is ready to satisfy every need of the client in over 100 languages. Moreover, we use the best computer-assisted translation software to ensure consistency throughout the text as well as speedy delivery, and competitive rates.
