An exploration of Ġużi Mallia's translations of children's literature into Maltese

Abstract

One way in which Maltese children of the second half of the 20th century used to engage with literature was through Rediffusion. Ġużi Mallia was one of the figures hosting children’s programmes on this medium. Known as in-Nannu Peppu, he took up the role of the trustworthy grandfather narrating tales. The stories he used to recount on the radio were, amongst others, his translations of tales coming from all over the world. Consequently, this study explores Mallia’s translations of stories for children. An enumeration of his translations of stories in prose for young readers is compiled. This is primarily possible by visiting the archives of the Akkademja tal-Malti in Valletta where Mallia’s manuscripts are stored. In this way, his contribution to the field of children’s literature is analysed. His translations are then seen in light of what other children’s books were being produced in Malta at a time when this genre was still taking its first steps on the islands. Moreover, since information about Mallia himself and his works is limited, an interview is carried out with his daughter, Theresa Kenely, in order to shed light about aspects which could not be elucidated through other research. The data shows that Mallia produced a large number of translations, proving that he played a major role in introducing foreign children’s literature into the islands and that he can easily be placed in the literary scenario of the time.