Simile Translation in Children’s Literature: A Case Study of "Stubborn as a Mule and Other Silly Similes and Skin Like Milk, Hair of Silk"

Abstract

Language has variety of text types, one of which is of figurative nature. Figurative texts like simile, metaphor, images, etc., are challenging and difficult to be translated, namely, when to be used in teaching-learning process. The difficulty stems from the difference of conceptualization between source language (SL) and target language (TL). This study aims to explore the strategies applied by the translators when translating the similes occurring in two children’s books called Stubborn as a Mule and Other Silly Similes and Skin Like Milk, Hair of Silk. A qualitative descriptive method was employed to describe simile translation in these two children's books. For translation, this study implemented the six strategies as suggested by Pierini's modal: literal translation, replacement of the vehicle with a different vehicle, reduction of the simile, retention of the same vehicle plus explication of similarity features, replacement of the vehicle with a gloss, and omission of simile. The findings showed that these strategies assist translators to sustain meaning and style with preserving cultural relevance for the reader. This study suggests that translators have to skilfully employ similes in order to preserve the imagery of the original text. This method makes it accessible and effectively involves young people in their own cultural setting. These strategies can be effective when translators are not practicing translation tasks as only transmitters of language, but when they bridge both languages in terms of knowledge and cultural background. Finally, the study highlighted the significance of cultural and linguistic equivalence in ensuring clear and understandable communication with the reader.