Masterclass: Translating Children's Literature with Goedele De Sterck

Embark on a captivating journey into the enchanting world of children's literature with esteemed literary translator, Goedele De Sterck. In this exclusive masterclass, participants will have the opportunity to delve into the art and intricacies of translating children's stories, unlocking the secrets behind the magic that captivates young readers worldwide.

Goedele De Sterck, a literary translator who specialises in children's literature, among other literary genres, will guide attendees through an exploration of the translation process. From preserving the whimsy and wonder of a tale, a poem, a comic or a picture book to ensuring cultural sensitivity, participants will gain valuable insights into the challenges and joys of translating literature for the youngest audience.

Whether you are an aspiring translator seeking to enter the world of literary translation or an experienced linguist looking to enhance your expertise, this masterclass promises to deepen your appreciation for the art of translating children's literature, and provide you with the knowledge and confidence to create impactful translations that transcend borders and cultures.

Translators working with any language pair are welcome. The session is delivered in English. It is only available to attend in-person.

What is children's literature?

Children's literature refers to literary works that are specifically written for and targeted at children (usually defined as up to the age of fourteen). This genre encompasses a diverse range of subgenres, including picture books, comics, poetry, non-fiction, fairy tales, novels, among others. Children's literature aims to entertain, educate, and inspire young readers while considering their age, cognitive development, and emotional maturity.

Key factors to consider when embarking on the complex task of translating works of children's literature include: Age Appropriateness, Educational Value, Narrative Themes and Tropes, Developmental Milestones, Entertainment and Imagination, Cultural Encounters, Style and Tone, and Series and Sequels.

This masterclass is led by Dr Goedele De Sterck

Goedele De Sterck was born in Belgium. She holds a degree in French Philology from the University of Leuven and a PhD in Spanish Philology from the University of Salamanca, where she works as a lecturer and researcher in the Department of Translation and Interpreting. In addition to teaching and research, she also works as a literary translator. She has translated some 120 books by Flemish and Dutch authors in the fields of fiction, non-fiction and children's and youth literature. In 2018, she was awarded the National Translation Prize for a Lifetime Achievement by the Dutch Foundation for Literature in recognition of her work as a cultural ambassador and literary translator from Dutch into Spanish. In 2013 she was a finalist for the 8th Esther Benítez Prize of ACE Traductores. Her main areas of research are the comparative study of (literary) translation in the Germanic and Romance world and the relationship between translation and neology. For over thirty years she has been involved with languages, literatures, texts, cultures and the dialogue between them.

What to expect

Our masterclasses are run by leading researchers and practitioners in the field. They are friendly, informal events which attract people from a wide range of backgrounds, including students and recent graduates, emerging and established practicing translators, researchers, and members of the public with an interest in translation. Everyone is welcome.

The event fee includes some light food options, made available for you during the masterclass. 

How to prepare

Before the masterclass takes place, attendees are asked to find a (fragment of a) literary text aimed at children and translate it. People who have signed up to attend will be sent a link to upload their translations before the session. These translations will be shared with everyone else in the group and serve as the basis for part of the masterclass.