Translating children’s literature is a unique and complex field that
requires a special set of skills and knowledge. Translators working in
this area play a crucial role in shaping the worldview of young
readers and spreading cultural experiences across borders and
languages. Let’s explore the specifics of their work and the main
aspects of this fascinating profession.
Specifics of Children’s Literature Translators’ Work
1. Understanding Child Psychology and Pedagogy
Children’s literature translators must have a deep understanding of
child psychology and the basics of pedagogy. This is necessary to:
Adapt the text to the comprehension level of the target age group
Preserve the educational and instructional elements of the original work
Consider the peculiarities of information perception by children of
different ages
2. Mastery of “Child Language”
The ability to speak the language of children is a key skill for a
children’s literature translator. This includes:
Using age-appropriate vocabulary
Understanding and conveying children’s humor
Adapting complex concepts to a child’s level of understanding
3. Cultural Adaptation
Children’s literature translators often face the need for cultural
adaptation of the text:
Replacing culturally specific elements with more understandable ones
for the target audience
Maintaining a balance between introducing a new culture and the
accessibility of the text
Considering differences in educational approaches of different cultures
4. Working with Illustrations
Children’s books are often richly illustrated, which creates
additional challenges for the translator:
Ensuring correspondence between text and illustrations
Considering visual context when translating
Adapting text to limited space on the page
5. Creativity and Wordplay
Children’s literature often contains wordplay, rhymes, and neologisms,
which requires special creativity from the translator:
Creating equivalent language games in the target language
Preserving rhythm and rhyme in poetic texts
Inventing new words that maintain the spirit of the original
Challenges in the Work of Children’s Literature Translators
1. Diversity of Age Groups
Children’s literature covers a wide age range, from picture books for
toddlers to young adult novels. The translator needs to:
Adapt their style to a specific age group
Consider differences in cognitive development and life experiences of readers
2. Educational Value
Many children’s books have an educational component that is important
to preserve in translation:
Transmitting factual information without distortions
Preserving educational elements in a form engaging for children
3. Ethical Considerations
Children’s literature translators bear a special responsibility for
the content of the texts they translate:
Considering cultural taboos and sensitive topics
Adapting outdated or unacceptable social norms
Maintaining a balance between authenticity and modern ethical standards
4. Technological Aspects
Modern children’s literature is often integrated with digital technologies:
Working with interactive elements of e-books
Adapting text for audiobooks and applications
Considering the limitations of various digital formats
Significance of Children’s Literature Translators’ Work
Cultural Exchange: Introducing children to different cultures and traditions
Empathy Development: Helping to understand the diversity of the world and people
Language Development: Enriching vocabulary and language skills
Encouraging Reading: Creating engaging and accessible texts for young readers
Preserving Literary Heritage: Passing classic works to new generations
Conclusion
The work of children’s literature translators is a complex and
multifaceted art that requires a wide range of skills and a deep
understanding of child psychology. These specialists play a crucial
role in shaping the worldview of the growing generation, contributing
to the development of literacy, cultural exchange, and love for
reading among children around the world.