Translation is the communication of the meaning of a source-language text by means of an equivalent target-language text. The English language draws a terminological distinction (not all languages do) between translating (a written text) and interpreting (oral or sign-language communication between users of different languages); under this distinction, translation can begin only after the appearance of writing within a language community.
The deterioration of historic buildings has become an increasingly urgent issue and consequently the need of a more sustainable management of the built heritage as well. An EU initiative has developed complex new materials designed specifically to restore heritage materials.