Translating for children: Equivalence paradigm or purpose paradigm? An explanatory attempt

Abstract

Translation of children’s literature has always been a crucial concern for professional and trainee translators. This is due to the alleged vulnerability of its reader in terms of understanding of both developmental factors and the world of childhood. And the central issue in translation for the intended ilk of people is the adult-child duality (Klingberg, 1986, p.10) that sparks the question of what counts as children’s literature. However, in this article we are mainly concerned with children’s literature. Translator as a powerful mediator should consider all facets of translation when dealing with children’s literature as well. Nida (1964, pp.164-71) points out decoding ability is categorized into four subgroups of which the first group belongs to children. To this effect, translator should consider the taste of children in translation with the purpose of fulfilling their needs thoroughly. The present study concentrates on challenging the two prominent paradigms in children’s literature namely (1) equivalence paradigm and (2) purpose paradigm. The former checks equivalence availability in source language and the latter in target one. Equivalence paradigm abides from either natural equivalence or directional one being insufficient for children’s literature. On the other hand, purpose paradigm spots more fully-fledged the taste of purpose and situation of the client (e.g. children) in this vein. More specifically, this study indicates that purpose paradigm is more exhaustive than equivalence paradigm in that it is more achievable throughout the translation of children’s literature.