The Criticism of the Children’s literature book “The Happiness of Kati”, translated by Prudence Borthwick, is aimed to study and analyze the source text as well as the target text; to compare the target text with the source text; evaluate the translation; and to assess the translation’s future.
For the source text analysis, we find that the author writes this book to entertain the readers by inserting the optimistic points of view into the story.The language used in this book is simple, so it is suitable for every person from all generations.
For the target text analysis, we find that the translator appreciates Thai cultures, so she tries to disseminate them for people in other cultures.As for the techniques, she utilizes Literal Translation, Semantic Translation and Free Translation.
For the comparison of the translation with the original, it can be divided into four levels: (1) At word level, the translator uses seven strategies: translation by using loan words or loan words with explanation, translation by paraphrase, translation by using a more specific word, translation by using more general word, translation by omission, translation by using superordinates and translation by cultural substitution. (2) At idiomatic level, the translator uses the paraphrase strategy. (3) At syntactic level, the translator uses subject and object addition, passive voice structures, sentence-to-phrase translation and topicalization. (4) At discourse level, the translator uses text addition and omission.
For the evaluation of the translation, we find that the translation is accurate, natural and effective.
For the translation’s future, we find that “The Happiness of Kati” can introduce Thai words and culture to the foreign readers and it helps them understand the Thai culture better after reading this literature in English or in other languages.