The Obstacles to Children’s Book Translation

We all remember which our favorite children’s book was. Unfortunately, we do not remember reading them. These were literary stories that introduced our young minds to new worlds. Today, we shall discuss the challenges a translator might face in converting children’s books into another language.

Maintaining consistent tone

The imaginative component is the foundation when working with an English to Polish translation job for children’s books. A children’s imagination knows no bounds. Therefore, the translation must be visually appealing to maintain the short attention span of the intended reader. The translation must not be ambiguous, complicated, or unclear. It must successfully paint a picture in their young minds as soon as the children read the short sentences.

As for the book’s tonal use, the translators can employ formal, friendly, or conversational voices. Children are fascinated by grow-ups. Using such vocal tones will help the children perceive we are talking to them and that they belong to the adult world. It will build a connection through successful translation.

Translating the content

Translating proper nouns in children’s books translation is challenging but possible. When translating proper nouns, the translator has a complete glossary to choose from. However, some linguists may opt to localize names and other particulars to form a better bond with the reader.

In addition, other translators will alter the spellings of the original names into the translated language to maintain a low reading score. However, special care is taken for a character with descriptive nature that is pivotal to the story arc in an English to Polish translation job. The choices vary depending on the story, intended reader, creativity, and source characters.

The dual-reader concept

Have you considered an apparent dual concept involved in children’s books? The children’s books are written by adults yet addressed to a completely different age group. In addition, the adults approve, publish, and motivate the children to read the book. This poses a challenge.

A linguist can choose to forgo the adult’s path to writing which is unjustified to the author and graphic artist. On the other hand, they can oversimplify the children’s book, harming the content’s integrity. The linguist must accept the children as the primary reader regardless of the route.

Translating the title

When it comes to translating titles in English to Polish translation jobs, the same rule applies to translating names. However, there is the added component of making the title attractive. A dull title will not attract a buzzing readership, which is paramount for the book’s success.

A professional linguist understands the title must reflect the text. It must perfectly represent the book’s theme. In addition, the translator must also consider the cultural connotations of a translated title to ensure it is not offensive or derogatory. Translating a title successfully represents the linguists’ talent to understand languages and skills.

Understanding the author

A translator must not take up a children’s book translation if they do not know who the author is. If they have accepted the task, the linguist is advised to read the author’s previous book to familiarize themselves with the content. In addition, it will also teach the translator about the author’s background, heritage, and cultural environment.

The linguist is the new writer of the translated version. However, they must embody themselves as the original author to do justice to the translation. If done successfully, the language, book tone, and literary essence will reflect the original book perfectly. As a result, children of different nations will enjoy the book and benefit from the growing vocabulary pool.

Contact Kings of Translation today

Undoubtedly, translating a children’s book is full of challenges. It requires a creative mind with no generalized rules to follow found in a marketing or personal document translation. However, one thing is for sure—the decisions made by the translator will directly impact the young minds. Contact Kings of Translation (https://kingsoftranslation.co.uk/) today to schedule a children’s book translation meeting.