As the Muscat International Book Fair ended this weekend, the presence of a large number of children was most encouraging. Shifting between colouring books, illustrated and even squeezable story books for babies, parents could be seen weighing every demand made by the children for different books.
By far the most popular kiosks were children’s books in Arabic, sold by local and regional publishers. Officials have stated that 268,000 titles in Arabic and 200,000 in English were on offer at the book fair this year.
This is a very significant change in reading trends. English books are no longer the most sought after. In fact, regional languages and their publications are seeing phenomenal rise in sales across the world.
According to the book channel ‘Just Imagine’, “Translated stories are important as they connect us to cultures and points of view that are different, but also the similarities of the shared human experience. Additionally, translated texts can also connect children to their own heritage’.
In fact, even Arabic children’s books first reach us in English. Stories from the Arabian Nights have been read by every child in the Arab world, mainly through their English translations.
Now, translation is making it possible to open the windows of the world to a large Arabic speaking community, especially young children.
There are various venues to access children’s books in translation. Unesco’s Global Digital Library aims to “promote the enjoyment of books and reading, connecting individuals and communities with the past and the future, bridging generations and building understanding across cultures”. There are other events that especially promote children’s books in translation such as the World Kid Lit Month which promotes books beyond Europe.
For those reading books to improve English, there are dual language books. These are books written in two languages, sometimes side by side, or on parallel pages. Many of these books have illustrations which describe the context or items important to the story. Such books are useful for those who are trying to learn either English or Arabic.
Another important reason why children’s books are becoming popular is the improved quality of illustrations. With digital technology and corresponding 3-D pictures, illustrations have become very sophisticated and attractive in terms of colour, expressions and background. They give children a very real experience of the story about to unfold.
There are, of course, challenges to be overcome. For example, children’s books are mostly written in fus’ha, or standard Arabic. This is not language normally in use and tends to alienate the child reader. It may also make the story difficult to translate.
Other challenges include questions of cultural appropriateness, choosing between literary translation or keeping ‘the spirit of the text’ but changing the language substantially.
For all the challenges it may face, translating children’s books is definitely the way forward. It will create a vast readership, encourage intercultural understanding and open the world to children.
Books are constantly re-invented to keep up with a discerning and changing readership. As the ultimate aim is to raise a literate and sensitive generation, translation of children’s books will help to build a new generation of readers.
The writer is Associate Professor, Department of English Language and Literature, Sultan Qaboos University
Oman Observer is now on the WhatsApp channel. Click here
