Michael Ende’s Momo or the diachronic evolution of translation in children’s literature

Abstract

The translation of children’s and young adult literature demands particular attention to the adaptation of texts to the sociocultural context of the target language, as the life experience of its readers differs substantially from that of adult audiences. This condition has influenced the adoption of various translation strategies in this field, shaped by the evolving social contexts that surround both readers and translators. This study comprises a contrastive analysis of the Spanish translations of Michael Ende’s Momo by Susana Constante and Begoña Llovet. It considers the continued relevance of Klingberg’s theoretical precepts and the degree of flexibility achieved in the target texts through the use of cultural markers, paraphrasing, and conceptual reformulation. The findings highlight the translation strategies employed to adapt the work to the generational, historical, and social circumstances of each period, suggesting that these strategies were determined not only by the sociopolitical conditions prevailing at the time of translation but also by an increasing emphasis on flexibility and adaptability to contemporary cultural frameworks.