Translators have helped to develop systems of writing. In their efforts to bring certain fundamental texts from one culture to another, they have also had an impact on the evolution of language itself. This paper sets out to examine the various ways in which translators have contributed to the development, enrichment and promotion of national languages, with particular emphasis on six of them: English, French, Swedish, Gbaya and Hebrew. In the case studies presented, translation is not an isolated phenomenon. Rather, it is associated with major projects – nationalist, ideological and religious in nature – which often had the support of monarchs, aristocrats and institutions. The power of the sponsors, or the critical context in which translation occurred, helped provide impetus and, in some cases, ammunition to translators, and gave legitimacy to their work. This in turn made it possible for them to make their mark on their language and culture.