Chinese Children’s Literature in English Translation

Abstract

This chapter outlines a history of English translations Chinese children’s literature from the late Qing dynasty to the present. Part I examines the types of text selected for translation, analyzes the fluid relationship between the source and target text, and reveals how the text served shifting religious, political, educational, cultural, and commercial interest. It also discusses ideological incongruity as a major barrier for importing children’s literature from China to the West. It then reviews the breakthroughs of Chinese children’s literature in English translation during the first two decades of the twenty-first century, highlighting major authors, illustrators, titles, and international recognition. Part II offers a survey of commercial and noncommercial agents that have facilitated an international network of authors, illustrators, translators, and publishers. It highlights international children’s literature organizations, libraries, festivals, book fairs, academic institutions, translators’ professional communities and initiatives, and the most active figures that have played important roles in raising the visibility of Chineselanguage children’s literature, promoting high-quality translated works, and professionalizing the field of translation.