Critical Language and Literary Studies

نوع مقاله : مقاله علمی پژوهشی

نویسنده

استادیار دانشگاه علامه طباطبایی گروه زبان و ادبیات آلمانی

چکیده

در ایران، در مباحث ترجمه‌شناسی کمتر به نظریه‌ها و چارچوب‌های ترجمه کتاب کودک و نوجوان پرداخته شده است. مترجمان و مخاطبان همواره به اشتباه می‌پندارند که ترجمه کتاب‌های کودک و نوجوان، به دلیل زبان و ساختار ساده، آسان است، در حالی که باید عوامل متعددی را در نظر داشت، تا هدف نویسنده و متن محقق شود و تأثیر لازم را بر خواننده بگذارد. در این مقاله به معرفی و بررسی تعدادی از مهم‌ترین و برجسته‌ترین نظریه‌های ترجمه کتاب کودک و نوجوان، و بررسی ترجمۀ آلمانی دو داستان "خمره" و "چکمه" از هوشنگ مرادی کرمانی پرداخته شد. موضوع ترجمۀ عناصر فرهنگی، ترجمه‌ناپذیری واژگان و اصطلاحات با توجه به محتوای داستان‌ها و توصیف بافت سنتی و فرهنگ بومی برجسته شده و به بررسی شیوه ترجمه برخی از این عناصر، و راه‌کار‌های مترجم پرداخته و به پرسش‌هایی کلیدی در مبحث ترجمه شناسی پاسخ داده است،از جمله نوع ترجمه، که آیا متن محور یا بومی‌سازی شده است.
بررسی نظریه‌های ترجمه کتاب کودک و نوجوان و تحلیل ترجمه‌های آلمانی خمره و چکمه بر اساس آن‌ها نشان داد که این ترجمه‌ها تا حدودی آزاد است، بسیاری از موارد فرهنگی بومی‌سازی شده و برخی مکالمه‌ها و توصیف‌های طولانی خلاصه یا حذف گردیده است.

کلیدواژه‌ها

عنوان مقاله [English]

Theories of translation of children and young adults’ books and their application in Hoshang Moradi Kermani’s stories "Khomreh" and "Chakmeh" in German language

نویسنده [English]

  • Faranak Hashemi

Assistant Prof. Allameh Tabataba'i University

چکیده [English]

Introduction
Translation of texts with native and cultural content has always been a big challenge for translators. It seems that we are facing two problems: first, the translator‘s correct understanding of the original text, and second, the correct and comprehensible translation of native and cultural elements. When dealing with literature for children and young adults, other subtleties must be considered, including vocabulary, language structure and style, limited level of social and cultural experience of the young audience and many other factors. These features and theories related to their structures and translation methods are discussed in this article from the perspective of theorists of the translation of children's and young adults’ literary works, including the theories of Reiss (1971, 1982), Oittinen (2000), Puurtinen (1995-2006) , Shavit (2006), Venuti (1995), Klingberg (1986), Neumann (1979) and others.
Afterwards, in the review and comparison section of the text and translation criticism, two examples of the translations of Hoshang Moradi Kermani's stories into German language, namely "Khumre" and "Chakmeh" are examined based on the theories and elements related to the translation of children's and young adults’ literature. The translation of both these stories was carried out by Ms. Mehrafaq Gallenbacher and the final text was edited by Ms. Renate Welsch, an Austrian writer and translator of children's and youth literature.
In the topics of translation studies, the theories and frameworks of translation of children's and young adults’ books have been less discussed. Here, some of the most important and outstanding theories will be introduced and examined, then these structures will be examined in the German translation of the two mentioned stories.
In the discussion of translating children's and young adults’ literature, similar to adult literature, we are faced with the issue of translating cultural elements and sometimes the untranslatability of phrases and terms, and in this article, the translator's approach and the type of solutions they used for this problem will be briefly examined.
The main questions that are raised in this review are as follows:
Has the translator acted correctly and successfully in understanding the meaning of the Persian text and transferring it into German?
Is the translation text-centered or has the translator brought it closer to the culture of the target language?
What methods and solutions did the translator use to achieve his goal?
Are the German translations of the two stories “Khomreh” and “Chakmeh” at the level of youth literature, along with the literary value of the two works, successful examples of transferring traditional and cultural characteristics?
To achieve the desired results, parts of both texts that have a special linguistic and cultural structure will be selected and their translation analyzed based on the theories of translation of children's and young adults’ books. In the comparison section of the Persian text and the German translation, the author has literally translated the examples given from the German language into Persian and as close as possible to the German translation in order to clarify the explanations. 
Method
In the theoretical part, a number of definitions given by theorists of children's literature are introduced and analyzed, including definitions by Katarina Rice (1971 and 1982), Riita Ovitinen (2000), Portinen (1995 and 2006), Shavit (1991 and 2006). , Klingberg (1986), Venotti (1995) and Neumann (1979). In short, it can be concluded that the structure of the translation of texts for children and teenagers is different from the translation of adult texts. In this process, one should have the vocabulary, lived experience and cultural and social development of the child or teenager, the level of familiarity with foreign cultures, specifically the culture related to the book in question, and other cases. Among the strategies that translators can use are: adaptation, rewriting the text, localization (names, cultural values, etc.), using explanations in the text to simplify the understanding of the content for the child or teenage audience.
In the review and critique chapter, the German translation of "Khomreh" and "Chakmeh" was examined based on the method of translation, language structure, the translator's strategies in facing the cultural and native elements, which are very prominent in Moradi Kermani's stories, and the removal of linguistic and cultural barriers.
Both texts were translated by Mehrafaq Gallenbacher and edited by Austrian author and translator Renate Welch. Mrs. Welch, the editor of the translated text of "Khomreh" in German, wrote a short introduction titled "Water is Life" for the story, in which she points out the importance of water and the climatic and cultural differences in access and use of water. She also refers to the educational aspect of the subject and reminds its importance and thus prepares the reader's mind to some extent with the conditions mentioned in the story.
Results
In these two stories, the translator uses long conversations, many descriptions and repetitions common in Persian speech, terms such as types of oaths that belong to a certain cultural context, special names (of places and persons) etc. Also, the cultural elements that cannot be removed, including types of sweets, celebrations and traditions, etc. Most of the proper names have remained the same and have not been replaced. To clear the ambiguity of important cultural elements, brief explanations are given in the footnote. The texts, especially "Khomreh", are shortened and repetitions and description of scenes in different parts have been removed. In a few cases, there are mistakes in the translation, including the translation of the word "Kadkhoda", which has an alternative in the German language, and considering that the whole story happens in a village, there is no doubt about the place and therefore using the equivalent to "mayor" in the German translation is a mistake.
On the other hand, in the translation of "Chakmeh", and especially in its appearance and printing, eastern cultural elements are clearly visible. In the paintings of the book, a completely traditional and oriental space is depicted, and even some Persian words are given at the end of the book as examples and for practicing Persian vocabulary.
On the one hand, structures that seemed to have made the story difficult for the German-speaking audience, have been removed and replaced with familiar structures or words in the target language environment, for example, replacing “Yazdi cake” with “Shortbread biscuits” (certainly a better option could be found in the German language and culture), and on the other hand, cultural elements are explained in some way or highlighted with an image.
Discussion and conclusion
Drawing from the theories of translating literature for children and young adults, translators in this domain encounter challenges distinct from those faced by translators of adult works. On one hand, they face issues that may pose greater difficulty in finding viable solutions. This is attributed to the fact that the younger audience possesses a more limited vocabulary concerning reading and comprehending content, has a less developed understanding of language structures, and lacks the extensive social and cultural experiences compared to adults. 
On the other hand, theorists and professional translators specializing in children's literature have leveraged their insights to propose solutions and recommendations for fellow translators. These range from simplifying the language and the text to changes in concepts and cultural content adapting, and rewriting.
Many theorists have observed a fundamental change in content, structure, goals and process of intellectual development of children and young adults, which is particularly noticeable in recent decades, that also affects the structures and methods of translations. Each of these definitions and associated theories warrants a more profound and detailed exploration.
The German translations of the two stories "Khomreh" and "Chakmeh" by Hoshang Moradi Kermani, which were examined and analyzed as an example, are somewhat consistent with the above mentioned theories. The editor of the German version of "Khomreh" wrote a short introduction for it in which he mentions water and its importance, and also the different views and positions in different societies and cultures regarding this vital element. 
The German text of "Khomreh" has been somewhat shortened and some repetitions, conversations and descriptions have been removed or abbreviated. The naming of people and the introduction of characters in the story are different from the original text. The content order of the story is not fully respected and the translator has moved and/or integrated some scenes. The translator gave a brief explanation for a number of culturally charged words in the footnote, examples of which were mentioned in the translation analysis. Examining the German translation of the text "Chakmeh" yielded similar results. 
However, due to the shorter text of the story and its simpler language, there were fewer text changes compared to "Chakmeh". In addition, the translator of both texts was the same person, and as a result, it seems that a similar method and style was used in the translation of both texts. The content analysis of the structure and criticism of the above mentioned translations has many details, and considering the global status of Hoshang Moradi Kermani as an author of works for children and young adults, a more detailed examination of these two works with regard to various theories in translation studies will yield more interesting results. 

کلیدواژه‌ها [English]

  • translation of children's books
  • Moradi Kermani
  • Chakmeh
  • Khomreh
  • German translation of native and cultural elements
Alavi. Farideh; Zeinali, Savil: Examining how cultures clash in the translation of complimentary speech with an emphasis on the French translation of the story of Mom's Guest, by Houshang Moradi Kermani [Barresi chegunegi taghabol-e farhanha das tarjome goftar taarof-amiz ba takid bar tarjome faranse dastan-e “mehman-e maman” asar-e Hoshang Moradi Kermani]. Language research. Alzahra University. Vol. 6. Nr. 11. 1393. Pp. 135-162
Athari nikazm, Marziyeh, Bolukat, Mina: Translation of cultural elements from Persian to French: Analysis and study of the translation of cultural signs in the story of Mom's guest by Houshang Moradi Kermani [Tarjomeye anasor-e farhangi az zaban-e farsi be zaban-e faranse: tahlil va barresi-ye tarjomeye neshane-haye farhangi dar dastan-e “mehman-e maman” asar-e Hoshang Moradi Kermani]. Language and Translation Studies LTS. Vol. 46. Nr. 1. 1392. Pp. 133-149
Deutscher Jugendliteraturpreis: https://www.jugendliteratur.org/buch/eines-morgens-war-die-chomreh-leer-3584, Accessed: 10.05.2023
Klingberg, Göte: Children's Fiction in the Hands of the Translators. Malmo: Liber/Gleerup. 1986
Korthals, Nadja: Von St Clare´s über Lindenhof nach Hogwarts - Die Besonderheiten der Übersetzung von Kinderliteratur und die Entwicklung eines Schemas zur Analyse kinderliterarischer Übersetzungen am Beispiel von Enid Blytons Mädchenbuchserie St Clare´s in Deutschland. Magisterarbeit. Herausgegeben von Ulrich Huse und Okke Schlüter, Stuttgarter Beiträge zur Verlagswirtschaft - Band 13. 2012
URL: http://www.hdm-stuttgart.de/mp/stuttgarter_beitraege/192.pdf [Accessed: 06.01.2024]
Moradi-Kermani, Hushang: Der Stiefel, Aus dem Pers. Von Mehrafagh Gallenbacher. Bildern von Christine Sormann. Wien: Jungbrunnen. 1995
Moradi-Kermani, Hushang: Eines Morgens war die Chomreh leer. Aus dem Pers. Von Mehrafagh Gallenbacher. Weinheim & Basel: Beltz [1993 Wien: Jungbrunnen] 1996
Moradi-Kermani, Hushang: Khomreh. Tehran: Mo’in. 22. Ed. 1401
Moradi-Kermani, Hushang: Chakmeh. PDF. File. S.A.
Neumann, Gerda: Probleme beim Übersetzen von Kinder- und Jugendliteratur. In: Kinder und Jugendliteratur. Hrsg. M. Gorschenek, A. Rucktäschel, München: Fink. 1979. pp. 115- 128
Nord, Christiane: Proper Names in Translations for Children: Alice in Wonderland as a Case in Point. Meta, 48(1-2). 2003. pp.182–196, https://doi.org/10.7202/006966ar
Oittinen, Riitta: The Verbal and the Visual: On the Carnivalism and Dialgics of Translating for Children. In: The Translation of Children’s Literature. Edited by Gillian Lathey. 2006. pp. 84-97
Oittinen, Riitta: Translating for Children - Theory. In: International Companion Encyclopedia of Children’s Literature. Edited by: Peter Hunt, Vol.2. [Part V. National and International.]. 2004. pp. 901-912
Oittinen, Riitta: Translating for Childern. NewYork: Garland. 2000
O’Sullivan, Emer: Comparative Childrens Literature. New York: Routledge. 2005
O’Sullivan, Emer: Internationalism, the universal child and the World of children’s literature. In: International Companion Encyclopedia of Children’s Literature. Edited by: Peter Hunt. Vol.1. (second Edition) 2004. pp. 13-25
O’Sullivan, Emer: Comparative Childrens Literature. [Adabiyat-e tatbighu-ye kudakan]. Translation:Maryam Jalali, Mahboube Farhangi. Tehran: Kanoun parvaresh fekri Kudakan va nojavanan. 1398
Puurtinen, Tiina: Translating Children’s Literature: Theoretical Approaches and Empirical Studies. In: The Translation of Children’s Literature. Edited by Gillian Lathey. 2006. pp. 54-64
Puurtinen, Tiina: Linguistic Acceptability in Translated Children’s Literature. Joensuu: Universty of Joensuu. 1995
Reiss, Katharina: Zur Übersetzung von Kinder- und Jugendbüchern. In: Lebende Sprachen -  Zeitschrift für fremde Sprachen in Wissenschaft und Praxis, Heft 1, XXVII Jahrgang. 1982. pp. 7-13
Reiss, Katharina: Möglichkeiten und Grenzen der Übersetzungskritik. Kategorien und Kriterien für eine sachgerechte Beurteilung von Übersetzungen. München Hueber. 1971
Tabataba’i, Sara; Eshraghi. Mahshad: Studying the translation of cultural categories in the book "You Are No Stranger here", by Houshang Moradi Kermani based on the theoretical framework of Peter Newmark [Barresi tarjome maghule-haye farhangi dar ketab-e “shoma ke gharibe nistid” asar-e houshang-e moradi-kermani ba tekye bar charchub nazari Newmark] In: French Language and Translation Research. Vol.2. Nr.2. 1399 pp. 97-118
DOI: https://doi.org/10.22067/RLTF.2021.70246.1010
Thomson- Wohlgemuth, Gabriele: Children’s Literature and its Translation. An Overview. [Postgraduate Diploma/MA in Translation] University of Surrey. 1998
Venuti, Lawrence: The Translator’s Invisibility - A history of translation. London: Routledge. 1995