Young Adult Literature in Translation: A Case Study of Multicultural Representation in English-Speaking Countries

<p><strong>This thesis examines the position of Hispanic American young adult literature (YAL) in the English-speaking world. YAL has grown significantly in terms of market share over the last three decades and earned a more prominent place in world literature. However, research on its translation into English remains limited. Moreover, despite the widespread perception among scholars and teachers that exposing young adults to cultural diversity and multiculturalism in what they read is vital, representation in translated works is in short supply. By conducting a history of YAL in translation over a six-year period and engaging with publishers in this category, I illustrate the gaps in YAL translated into English and examine the explanations provided for the small number of titles from Hispanic America. Using a mixed-method approach, this study undertakes both quantitative and qualitative analyses that encompass a multiple-case study of translated YAL from Latin America. I obtained quantitative data on published YAL, including information on its publishers, focusing specifically on translated and Latinx/Chicanx English-first works. Moreover, I gathered qualitative data on the content of the translated Hispanic American YAL and on YAL publishers’ views through online surveys in order to obtain an accurate picture of the publishing process and the translation context. The quantitative data illustrated the expected underrepresentation of Spanish-speaking Latin America in the YAL market. However, the content of the case study titles revealed a palatable portrayal of relatable Latin foreignness rather than adapted and domesticated narratives. Moreover, if the publishing industry aims to better represent diversity as they assert, this thesis establishes a clear need for a standard definition of cultural diversity and an array of resources to make translation and its promotion more accessible, ensuring its cost-effectiveness. This project paves the way for the development and implementation of future policies and measures that can help secure a more representative YAL.</strong></p>