Intralingual Translation of British Novels: A Multimodal Stylistic Perspective

This book explores the ways that British novels have been adapted and rewritten for the US market, analyzing the modifications introduced to make them more culturally acceptable and accessible. It discusses the sociocultural and ideological pressures involved in intralingual translation and how these changes can result in a more muted American edition.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 270 pages
Publication date: 29 December 2022
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

Shortlisted for the ESSE 2022 Book Awards, this book delves into the intriguing phenomenon of British novels being adapted and rewritten for the American market. Building on the surge of interest sparked by the Harry Potter series, it explores the diverse ways in which British literature, spanning from children's fiction to travelogues and award-winning works, has been tailored to resonate with American readers. Drawing on a comprehensive corpus of over 80 literary pieces, Linda Pillière employs cutting-edge research in multimodality and stylistics to examine the modifications introduced to make British English texts more culturally acceptable and accessible to American English readers.

Within this comprehensive analysis, Pillière delves into the intricate nuances of paratextual differences, encompassing elements such as cover design, illustrations, typography, and footnotes. She also uncovers the sociocultural and ideological pressures inherent in intralingual translation, shedding light on how these pressures manifest in stylistic alterations, including the potential loss of meaning, voice, rhythm, and wordplay. By meticulously examining these stylistic effects, Pillière unveils the intricate dynamics of the American publishing process and the diverse readership it caters to.

What sets this book apart is its insightful approach to exploring the Americanization of British novels. Rather than focusing solely on large-scale transformations, Pillière highlights the significance of numerous small adjustments that collectively contribute to the distinct character of American editions. By examining these fine-grained details, readers gain a fascinating glimpse into the intricate processes and considerations involved in adapting British literature for a North American audience.

In conclusion, Shortlisted for the ESSE 2022 Book Awards is a groundbreaking work that offers valuable insights into the dynamic world of British literature adaptation for the American market. Through meticulous research and thoughtful analysis, Linda Pillière provides a comprehensive exploration of the modifications, pressures, and stylistic consequences that shape these adaptations. This book is a must-read for scholars, literary enthusiasts, and anyone interested in the intersection of culture, language, and literature.

Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781350233195