The proclamation by the United Nations General Assembly of 2008 as International Year of Languages invites us moreover to reconsider another dimension of books which complements those mentioned above: the linguistic dimension of publishing.
Books are in fact a means of expression which live through language and in language. Every book is written, produced, exchanged, used and appreciated in a specific linguistic framework. When selecting their language, authors are also selecting their readers, who should be able to understand what they write. Translation helps to build linguistic bridges leading to new books and new readers.
—Koïchiro Matsuura, Director-General of UNESCO
In that case: Happy International Year of Languages too!
