Adapting Chinese Children's Texts for U .S .ReadersThree Case Studies

Adaptations of Chinese works have been marketed to children in the U.S.since the 1840 s.One may identify three main categories among Chinese children's texts offered to English-speaking American readers:exemplary tales,folk tales and episodes from Chinese history,and humorous stories of children's experiences.This paper examines one case study within each category,arguing that the different kinds of texts available at different historical moments help to illuminate American understandings of China and its culture.In each case,narratives packaged for American readers reflect a vision of China tailored to the time and context of publication;the nature of that vision changes with the years but nonetheless consistently emphasizes the idea of family loyalty,particularly in a filial sense.

Adapting Chinese Children's Texts for U .S .ReadersThree Case Studies Academic Article