On Translation and Censorship of Children's Literature during the Cold War in Europe

The present chapter deals with censorship in translated children's literature and translation for children. The geopolitical area is Eastern Europe and Northern Europe and the time frame is after the World War II and thereafter. Our text deals with how the changes in Europe during the Cold War have influenced societies, cultures and children's literature especially.

The chapter discusses the societal background of the characters portrayed in children's literature, its translations and retranslations and the ideology behind influencing the choices: what is written, illustrated or translated or not. Censorship of children's literature involves the readers of texts, children and their parents as well as authorities and different gatekeepers (e.g., publishers).

The verbal and the visual appear in many different formats created for children, such as picturebooks and other illustrated stories. The reason behind censorship is often the will to protect the child, motivated by ideological views. This may lead to purification of texts and avoiding unsuitable scenes, such as rebellious behaviour and contempt of authorities.