Translating idiomatic expressions in children’s literature: A case study of rendering Diary of a Wimpy Kid into Arabic
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Abstract
Idiomatic expressions are challenging for translators of different genres, especially children’s literature, as they need proper strategies to ensure an age-appropriate and easily comprehensible meaning. This study examined the strategies that the translators employed in rendering idiomatic expressions in Kenny’s children’s series Diary of a Wimpy Kid into Arabic. To achieve the purpose of the study, idiomatic expressions were collected from four books of the series, namely, Rodrick Rules, Greg Heffley’s Journal, The Last Straw, and Cabin Fever, and compared to their Arabic translations. The data were categorized according to Baker’s (1992) four strategies for dealing with idiomatic expressions, with a fifth strategy, literal translation, added to the analysis. The study found that there was a clear preference for paraphrasing when translating idioms from English into Arabic. English idioms were primarily used in informal contexts, which adds to the challenge of translating them, as standard Arabic, the variety used in the translated version, is generally more suited to a formal style in written texts. This study can be useful for scholars and researchers in the field of children’s literature to deepen their understanding of the challenges and strategies associated with translating idioms. It can also help educators and curriculum developers promote multilingualism and cross-cultural appreciation among young readers.
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