Euphemism in Translating Children’s Literature: A Critical Analysis of the Arabic Translation of Twain’s ‘The Prince and the Pauper’
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.33806/ijaes1259Keywords:
children's literature, culture, euphemism, taboo expressions, translation strategiesAbstract
Literature seeks to engage and influence readers, particularly children, making the translation of children’s literature a complex task that requires careful cultural consideration. Given the close relationship between language and culture, expressions that are acceptable in one linguistic context may be inappropriate in another, especially in texts aimed at young audiences. This study investigates the euphemism strategies employed by Abdussadiq (2012) in her Arabic translation of Twain’s (1964) The Prince and the Pauper. It hypothesizes that euphemism was deliberately used to soften offensive or taboo expressions in the source text, thereby enhancing cultural acceptability and suitability for Arabic-speaking children. A comparative analysis of the source and target texts was conducted using qualitative methods to identify the types and functions of euphemism and quantitative analysis to examine their frequency and motivations. The findings reveal that the translator employed a range of euphemistic strategies to adapt the text to the cultural expectations of the target readership while preserving its core meaning. The use of euphemism did not diminish the original message; rather, it contributed to producing a linguistically and culturally appropriate text for young Arab readers.
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