Posted on: September 22, 2026 by admin
Translation services today are essential to upholding human rights. They allow different countries to trade, communicate, and share ideas. Domestically, they allow people from linguistically diverse populations to access public resources equitably. To appreciate just how integral these services are to each society’s functioning in a globalised world, we must look back at the history of translation.
From its origins as a trading practice in ancient times to its formal governance in the 1950s, Speak Your Language (SYL) will look at how translation services have evolved to meet the needs of their users. We are proud to be part of this rich history, delivering quality translation services across different sectors. Whether you’re looking to get documents translated for a Visa or need a translator for a corporate context, we are here to help.
Translators have been around for centuries and have allowed early societies to trade with others who spoke different languages. Scribes would take records of these interactions for their own archives and for governments when travelling abroad.
Early translations also helped the spread of ideas and religion to other populations. One of the most renowned early translations was that of the Hebrew Bible into Greek, which allowed more people to read it as it spread across the Mediterranean. Even in this period, the purpose of translation was the same: to share ideas and knowledge.
The formal governance of translation services didn’t start until the 1950s, in the context of post-war democracy following the World Wars and the ongoing Cold War. Demands for regulations grew as a result of concerns for ethics and quality. The establishment of the United Nations in 1945 imposed regulations on translating, as different governments needed to ensure consistent translations. Australia established the world’s first national accreditation for translation services in 1977 with the National Accreditation Authority for Translators and Interpreters (NAATI), which remains fundamental today.
Translation services today must be NAATI-approved and ensure accuracy and legal compliance. In the age of digital translation tools, a human translator will go beyond word-for-word written translations to construct meaning. An approved translator will also be culturally fluent, understanding idioms, anecdotes, and metaphors from a social context. They will then apply these constructions to another language. Using an accredited translator is the best way to ensure accuracy and is always recommended over using AI or asking a bilingual friend to help you.
National governments often require professional translations of documents to access public resources or to complete immigration applications. In Australia, these services can sometimes be subsidised or funded by the government, depending on your circumstances. Contemporary translation services uphold a standard of living by ensuring that everyone has access to the same public resources and has a shared foundation of knowledge.
Looking back at the history of translation highlights its value in cultural inclusion and accessibility. Whilst it started as a means of inter-group trade, it has grown to support multicultural societies. SYL employs highly skilled, NAATI-approved translators across more than 120 languages. We will translate your documents with accuracy and care.
Speak to our professionals today to see how we can help you with your translation needs.
