At commemoration of Int’l Translation Day: MINREX lauds translation, interpretation personnel for selfless service, professionalism.

The ceremony was chaired by Secretary General at MINREX, Chimoun Oumarou. The official did so on behalf of the MINREX boss, Mbella Mbella. 

The 2024 edition of the Day was placed under the theme: “Translation, an art worth protecting within the diplomatic setting”.

It was marked by a roundtable conference. The conference focused on: “Translation, an art worth protecting”.

It was moderated by Senior Translator and Journalist, Mba Telesphore Biso.

In his opening remark, the MINREX scribe lauded the Head of DIVTRA and the entire personnel of the unit for their selfless service, professionalism and availability. 

He then pointed out that the art of translation is worthy to be protected.

“Translating is almost performing a similar act as already put in black and white…there is an entire word in this word ‘almost’. This is often the prerequisite for assessing any universal, multiple and diverse culture,” Chimoun said. 

He also explained that government in cognisant of the need to perfecting the activity of translation, has been taking a series of measures to render it more effective and concrete. 

Chimoun stressed that government has “undertaken quite a number of initiatives geared at improving on the quality of the art of translating and promotion of bilingualism”.

According to Chimoun, the latest of such initiatives is adoption of Law No:2019 of December 24, 2019 on the promotion of official languages in Cameroon. 

“It was therefore out of the vision and magnanimity of the esteem Head of the Cameroonian diplomacy that the translation unit was raise to a full-fledged division besides being in charge with interpretation thereby transforming from the translation unit to the division translation and interpretation as enshrined in the 2023 organisational chart of our ministry,” the MINREX scribe explained. 

He also indicated that since January 2023, the DIVTRA has been tasked with authentication of personal document acquired from all diplomatic missions, consular services and international organisations accredited to Cameroon as well as play a vital role in the generation of fiscality for government. 

DIVTRA efforts 

Going by Chimoun, the Translation and Interpretation Division has been playing a major role across the bord at the ministry and also highlighted laudable collaboration existing between DIVTRA and the central services, devolved services in Douala as well as external services abroad. 

“At MINREX, DIVTRA, as early mentioned, supports and facilitates the task force of the ministry in the implementation of our national policy in the subsector of external relations of the republic of Cameroon,” he added. 

In this regard, he said DIVTRA has been making strides in the day-to-day translation of documents for the ministry, ensuring quality control of routine documents, drafted or translated by other services, and setting up a terminology database.

The DIVTRA, he added, has been providing interpretation services during audience granted and discussions held with guest dignitaries, as well as national conferences and intergovernmental consultations, amongst others. 

Enter Head of DIVTRA

During the panel discussion, the Head of the Translation and Interpretation Division, Munoh Ndop Simon, appreciated the fact that the ministry is commemorating the Day for the second time. 

He, however, expressed their wish for the ITD to be made an annual activity at MINREX with a week dedicated to translation and interpretation and bilingualism promotion. 

Munoh also enumerated a number challenges facing the profession such the advent of digital softwares, and artificial intelligence. 

Going by Munoh, the contemporary challenges cannot be avoided but called on the practitioners to adapt to the innovations. He also reminded them of the need to consider the context and other exigencies required to master their art.

This article was first published in The Guardian Post Edition No:3246 of Tuesday October 01, 2024