Abstract:
The purpose of this research report is to examine Rwandan folktales from a cultural point of
view and discuss how they could be translated into English by taking into account cultural
aspects that are typical of Rwandan culture. It also aims at discussing some strategies which
translators can use in order to solve culture-related problems while translating Rwandan
folktales into the English language for an international audience in general and for children in
particular.
To lay a theoretical foundation to this study, an overview of folklore, culture and the
relationship between language, culture and translation is given. Theories underlying cultural
translation and underlying children’s literature and its translation are also discussed. Although
the study aims at analysing Rwandan folktales in general, it focuses on four folktales. These
are analysed and culture-bound problems that a translator may encounter when translating
them are brought to the fore. In addition, one of them is translated as an illustration and a
discussion of strategies used to address culture-bound problems is provided.
