The Dubai Culture and Arts Authority has announced an engaging discussion session and interactive workshop focusing on the impact of reading on children and the techniques for translating children’s literature. This initiative is part of the “Libraries Talk” program, falling under the “Schools of Life” initiative, which aligns with Dubai’s quality of life strategy.
Through these events, the authority aims to foster communication between creatives and their audience and encourage contributions that enhance the local cultural landscape. The session titled “The Role of Reading in Child Development” is scheduled for May 8 at the Al Rashidiya Public Library.
It will feature writer and translator Samar Mahfouz Barraj, author and poet Amal Farah, and writer Iman Al-Youssef, who will discuss the influence of stories on a child’s personality, the family’s role in nurturing a love for reading, and the significance of early reading for young children.
Additionally, the session, which will be moderated by writer Sabah Dibi, will showcase practical methods that make reading an enjoyable experience for children, contributing to their linguistic and cognitive skill development.
Samar Mahfouz Barraj will also lead a workshop on “Translating Children’s Literature,” hosted at the Al Safa Art and Design Library on May 9 and 10. Participants will learn the fundamentals of translating children’s literature, the distinctions between this and general literature translation, as well as exploring translation techniques and language styles suitable for various age groups.