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Translation
Ronald Jobe
What would our lives and those of our children be like without translations of great
pieces of literature such as the Bible, the Greek, Norse and Asian myths and legends—
the Iliad and Odyssey, the fables of Aesop, and The Ramayana? Children continue to
enjoy such classics as the Arabian Nights from the Arabic (1712), The Swiss Family
Robinson from the German (1814), the Grimm’s Household Stories from the German
(1823), Andersen’s Fairy Tales from the Danish (1846), Heidi from the German (1884)
and Pinocchio from the Italian (1891). Thus, translations form a major part of our
Western literary heritage.
Literature in translation enriches our lives by providing sensitive glimpses into the
lives and actions of young people located in other parts of the world. Translated books
become windows, allowing readers to gain insights into the reality of their own lives
through the actions of characters like themselves. They frame experiences in other
cultures vastly different from their own. Children’s lives would be considerably less rich
if they could not rejoice in the antics of Pippi Longstocking, see the splendour of the
Alps through Heidi’s eyes, experience the itchy noise of Pinocchio, or laugh at the
blunderings of Robber Hotzenplotz, and the foibles of Mrs Pepperpot.
The tradition of translating literature for young people is a long-standing one in Europe.
Surrounded by many languages, Europeans accept translations as a daily part of life.
European publishers use translations to complement their own lists: between 30 and 70
per cent of the children’s books published in Europe are translated, and it is considered
important to have books from many countries available for children to read.
The same welcoming tradition of translations has not been evident in English-
speaking countries. A few committed editors and publishers, such as Klaus Flugge of
Andersen Press, Dorothy Briley of Clarion Books, and Margaret McElderry of McElderry
Books, have tried to increase the numbers of translated titles but the overriding view in
publishing seems to be that because the national output includes every genre and is of
high standard, only English language books are necessary.
The Translation ProcessThe translation of a work of literature from one language into another is a most
challenging and demanding undertaking. Although not recognised with either the same
status or financial remuneration as scientific or technical translators, literary
translators face a far more complicated process, especially in translating for young