A few thoughts on translation and evaluation
I believe that children have a marvelous ability to re-experience the most alien and distant things and circumstances, if a good translator is there to help them, and I believe that their imagination continues to build where the translator can go no further. - Astrid Lindgren
If you don’t know a foreign language, can you tell if it is a faithful translation? You won’t necessarily be able to determine this. But you can tell if the story flows, if it has a compelling narrative, if the illustrations work well with the story. You can look for cultural elements – names, places, food, for example – and how they are adapted or retained, if an explanation is incorporated or able to be determined by the context. Is the translator listed? After a while, you may begin to recognize certain names. You’ll also see that certain imprints and publishers are more active in publishing translated books.
Ideals of translation being faithful to the original, to the intent of the author, have long been the standard in translation for adults. Fortunately this idea of integrity to the original text is now given more respect in translation for children as well. Carl Tomlinson gives several attributes of a successful translation, including “remaining true to the original story and to the author’s tone, voice and emotion.” He also notes that the book should have child appeal, a factor you can determine, while keeping some of the flavor of the original culture, which you can partly discern.
Does the book seem a little different? A sense of otherness is a good thing. That is indeed why we are choosing to use these books and introduce them to children – to bring them the world. You don’t have to like everything and aren’t expected too, but it is important to keep an attitude of openness. Perhaps set a book aside and give it a second chance later. Ask a friend or colleague what they think. Sometimes children’ reactions will surprise you – they are often more open to new ideas than adults. The more you explore international books, the more you will find to appreciate.
Ideals of translation being faithful to the original, to the intent of the author, have long been the standard in translation for adults. Fortunately this idea of integrity to the original text is now given more respect in translation for children as well. Carl Tomlinson gives several attributes of a successful translation, including “remaining true to the original story and to the author’s tone, voice and emotion.” He also notes that the book should have child appeal, a factor you can determine, while keeping some of the flavor of the original culture, which you can partly discern.
Does the book seem a little different? A sense of otherness is a good thing. That is indeed why we are choosing to use these books and introduce them to children – to bring them the world. You don’t have to like everything and aren’t expected too, but it is important to keep an attitude of openness. Perhaps set a book aside and give it a second chance later. Ask a friend or colleague what they think. Sometimes children’ reactions will surprise you – they are often more open to new ideas than adults. The more you explore international books, the more you will find to appreciate.