아동문학 번역에서의 가화성(Speakability)

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to propose a translational norm in terms of "speakability". The significance of speakability must be recognized in translating children's literature, which is often intended for reading aloud. The authors writing books for children fully understand how reading aloud affects children both emotionally and linguistically. Translating stories for oral rendition is particularly important for children who cannot yet read. Translators, however, do not seem to be aware of this as much as authors do, which necessitates the establishment of the speakability norm in translating children's literature.In order to propose the translational norm, the present essay analyzed twenty English picture books to read aloud, their Korean translations and twenty authentic Korean picture books. Due to phonological differences between English and Korean, the translators employed an unique method to improve the speakability of the target text: the use of Euisung-uh(onomatopoeia) and Euitae-uh(mimesis), the symbolic words imitating sound, movement, shape, state, etc. Korean has a great number of Euisung-uh and Euitae-uh giving readers a pleasant auditive impression through a rhythmic repetition of syllables and words. Consequently, their active use in children's literature is widely recommended in Korea to appeal to listening children. Euisung-uh and Euitae-uh were abundant in authentic Korean picture books, but not in translated children's books. English does not have as many symbolic words as Korean, which leads to the infrequent use of those words in the translations. Accordingly, a translational strategy using many Euisung-uh and Euitae-uh in translating children's literature would be conducive to improving speakability in translation.