Abstract:
The development of translating and disseminating Chinese children’s literature overseas has spanned many decades since the founding of the PRC in 1949, with the past few years witnessing some of the most remarkable achievements in translation practice. However, scholarly research on the relevant issues have remained quite lacking, especially regarding the outbound translation history of Chinese children’s literature, modes of translating, and the reception of translated works. This paper adopts a historical approach to the study of the outbound translation of Chinese children’s literature, covering the period from 1949 to 2024. The study finds that successful representation of Chinese narratives in foreign contexts hinges on two key factors: choosing texts rich in Chinese cultural characteristics and fostering effective, market-oriented collaboration between Chinese and international partners. Moreover, innovative inter-semiotic techniques facilitated by digital media also hold substantial potential for expanding audiences and enhancing impact of the Chinese voice on the global stage of children’s literature.