The Western Balkans in translated children’s literature

Abstract

This study approaches translations as framing and representation sites that can serve to either contest or promote stereotypes. Critically looking at textual and visual images of the source culture, the discussion considers how the particular location of different participants in the translation production process contributes to the presentation of violence as a predominant image of Western Balkan nations. The analysis uncovers networks of source-based production participants focusing on images of ‘nesting’ Balkanisms and self-representations centring on love and humaneness. On the other hand, networks led by editors located in the target culture often emphasise the preconceived stereotypes of dominant violence in the Western Balkans or turn towards globalising the images of violence.