Interpreting Imagination: Insights from Translators Kit Maude and Lindsay Turner

In a thought-provoking exchange, translators Kit Maude and Lindsay Turner reflect on their experiences in translating children's literature, revealing both the joys and challenges inherent in the craft. This conversation takes place during World Kid Lit Month, emphasizing the significance of translations in making diverse children's stories accessible.

Kit Maude, a seasoned Spanish-to-English translator residing in Buenos Aires, boasts an impressive portfolio, translating numerous works from Latin American authors, including children's literature. His latest endeavor, A Dog Feels Like Sitting, showcases a whimsical narrative about a dog’s attempts to engage with its owner, originally penned by David Wapner and illustrated by award-winning artist Isol.

On the other hand, Lindsay Turner, a poet and French-to-English translator based in Ohio, is making her mark in the realm of children’s books with Have You Ever Heard a Horse Sing? This enchanting book, filled with imaginative sound words, presents an audio-visual experience for young readers.

Exploring the Unique Aspects of Children's Literature Translation

Turner opens the discussion by expressing her enthusiasm for translating children's works, noting the distinct approach it requires compared to adult literature. “The scale is entirely different,” Maude agrees. While novels may consume months or years, children's books often evolve rapidly, with first drafts coming together in mere hours. This swift process transitions translators into an almost poetic mindset, carefully considering each word's sound and impact.

“You can’t be too complicated,” Maude emphasizes, highlighting the necessity of using age-appropriate language. Turner echoes this sentiment, pointing out that translating for children involves a dual audience: the young readers and the adults reading aloud. As a mother herself, she prioritizes creating engaging content for both demographics.

The Art of Onomatopoeia

A particularly engaging part of their dialogue centers around onomatopoeia, an essential element in both their works. Turner expresses her meticulous approach to sound words, ensuring they are easily pronounced and instinctively recognizable to adult readers. For her translation, she opted for playful sounds that invite laughter and joy, enhancing the reading experience.

Maude, too, incorporates unconventional sounds in his translation, such as using “tump” instead of “thum.” He elaborates, “As much as possible, I like to let the original speak.” This idea resonates with Turner, who appreciates how surprising yet simple translations can be fun to read aloud.

Rhyme and Rhythm in Translation

The conversation delves deeper into the mechanics of translation, especially the challenge of maintaining the poetic elements present in the original text. Maude shares his struggle with the wordplay integral to A Dog Feels Like Sitting, particularly the rhythm of the Spanish language that plays on the similarity of words. Finding equivalent rhyme and rhythm in English posed a significant challenge, but he creatively adapted the text without losing its essence.

“It’s funny how much like translating poetry this work is,” Turner observes. She emphasizes the importance of preserving the auditory quality of the original while keeping the translation engaging. This balance requires innovative thinking, particularly when certain features, like puns or playful sounds, do not have direct equivalents in English.

Illustrations and Imagination

Illustrations also play an essential role in children’s literature, as both translators highlight. Maude reflects on how the illustrations in A Dog Feels Like Sitting beautifully contribute to the storytelling, emphasizing a sense of wonder and communication between the dog and its owner. Turner concurs, noting how imagery can create layers of meaning that connect with the text and enhance the reader's experience.

Conclusion: Collaborative Creativity

This lively conversation between Maude and Turner underscores the depth of creative collaboration involved in translating children’s literature. Their willingness to experiment with narrative, sound, and rhythm reveals how the art of translation goes well beyond mere word-for-word conversion. Instead, it is about capturing the playful spirit of the original work, enabling it to resonate with a new audience.

Both translators leave the conversation with a sense of shared purpose. As they continue their respective journeys, their commitment to enriching the literary landscape for children remains a central theme, reminding us of translation's vital role in fostering cross-cultural understanding and enjoyment.