April 23rd is World Book Day, a global celebration of stories, voices, and the power of words to connect us across cultures. 

Language is not just what we speak. It is what we share, and how we share it. That is why we are spotlighting We Are What We Translate. A Manifesto by Matteo Lefèvre, a book that challenges the way we think about communication in today’s global world. 

Lefèvre provides us with a cultural and philosophical reflection on the act of translation, seen not as a linguistic exercise but as a mirror of how we relate to others, and how we construct meaning. For anyone involved in cross-cultural communication – marketers, entrepreneurs, educators, and professionals in international business – this book offers sharp insight into the invisible choices that shape global interactions. 

Translation Is Everywhere, and It Shapes Everything 

Lefèvre helps us rediscover the depth of everyday language. He shows how translation operates beneath the surface of daily life, influencing how we experience films, literature, advertising, politics, and global commerce. 

Translation is not only what allows content to travel. It is what allows meaning to take shape in different contexts. This is especially relevant in business, where a misplaced nuance, an unintended tone, or a culturally misaligned message can make or break engagement in a new market. 

Why Language Matters in Global Workplace 

In multilingual workplaces and international markets, translation is not limited to words. It includes the translation of behaviors, values, and expectations. Lefèvre emphasizes that every translation is a cultural negotiation. It is not about fidelity to the original, but about responsibility to the recipient. 

This awareness is essential for marketers and content creators who must adapt campaigns for new regions, for customer service teams working across time zones and accents, and for business leaders building bridges between global teams. 

Top 3 Takeaways from the Book 

• Translation reveals who we are

  Every word choice reflects our values, assumptions, and cultural background. There is no such thing as a neutral translation — only deliberate ones. 

• The translator is a meaning-maker

  Translators, copywriters, and communicators are not messengers. They are builders of meaning. What you choose to translate, how you frame it, and what you leave out — these are creative and strategic choices. 

• Translation is a political and creative act

  Especially in global business, translation is about positioning. It shapes how people interpret your message, perceive your product, and relate to your brand. 

Go beyond grammar. Step into real-world, global communication 

At Maka, we believe that language is a strategic asset. Our courses in intercultural communication and business English are designed for professionals who want to lead, sell, and collaborate across cultures with clarity and confidence. 

Contact us to learn more

World Book and Copyright Day, established by UNESCO in 1995, is celebrated every April 23rd to promote reading, publishing, and the protection of authors’ rights. The date honors the legacy of literary giants like William Shakespeare, Miguel de Cervantes, and Inca Garcilaso de la Vega.