Abstract:

Translation of children’s literature has been a popular topic among scholars in Turkey. Still, most of the studies focus on either manipulation through translation or domesticating-foreignizing strategies. In this sub-genre, which targets children but is mediated by adults, pedagogical differences and approaches to child education may affect translator’s choices. Bearing this in mind, it may be foreseen that even when the translator does not prioritize an ideology, s/he may end up with functional differences between the source and target texts. The examples for the study are from Julia Donaldson, a British writer who has been translated into over 40 languages, and the translation of her “Paper Dolls” by Sevgi Atlıhan. The paper overviews the functions in children’s literature and researches the recent studies in criticism of translated children’s literature; and secondly analyzes the source text in terms of style and functions. Then, it compares the target and source texts to underline how the functions of the target text differ. The source text functions to trigger emotional development, add creativity and entertain the reader whereas the target text focuses on educational and informative functions. Also, the style and literary complexity of the target text is simplified. In the conclusion, the paper discusses why those changes may have taken place and what sort of outcomes they may have, or have had.

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