Translation and adaptation

Abstract

This article discusses the distinction between translation and adaptation, since “there is a point at which adaptation ceases to be translation at all” (Bastin 1998: 6). The distinction will be illustrated by three examples of Danish versions of the Grimm brothers’ well‐known folktale “Little Red Riding Hood” in their separate movements from German folklore to Danish children's literature. After an analytical comparison of two German editions of the tale by the brothers Grimm (from 1812 and 1857, respectively), the article discusses the relationship between the two German and three Danish translations or adaptations (1983, 1995 and 2000) as well as the Danish target audience. The importance of illustrations, both black and white, and in colour, is an important issue as well.