Transediting classic English novels for children in China: a narratological case study of Gulliver’s Travels

Abstract

ABSTRACT The practice of transediting classic English novels for children is common in China, but remains under-researched. From a narratological perspective, this article explores this practice through a case study of Gulliver’s Travels. It first identifies the factors, including the view of childhood, common presuppositions of the features of children’s literature, censorship, and the mainstream educational philosophy in China, that may influence this practice. Then, it finds that the Chinese children’s editions of Gulliver’s Travels experience noticeable changes both on the story and discourse level, such as the excision of scenes that reflect satirical criticism and the shift from indirect speech to direct speech. Lastly, it points out that although the observed changes are understandable, some seem inappropriate for the target young Chinese readers due to the ignorance of the differences in children’s literature for readers of different ages. Therefore, this article suggests that literature for young readers aged 11 to 16 should challenge them cognitively and affectively, be somewhat subversive, and present a complete picture of the reality, and that translators of children’s literature should truly put themselves in the position of children and consider the needs of young readers of different ages.