Tell the World: Storytelling Across Language Barriers
Author(s): Margaret Read MacDonald (Author)
Publisher: Libraries Unlimited
Publication Date: November 30, 2007
Language: English
Print length: 192 pages
ISBN-10: 1591583144
ISBN-13: 9781591583141
Book Description
Working with or without a native speaker, a storyteller can touch the minds and hearts of all listeners―even those with little or no English language skills. Here a group of expert storytellers share a variety of tips and techniques that help bridge the language gap; along with sample stories that librarians, teachers, and professional storytellers can easily incorporate into their repertoires. Four basic techniques for bilingual telling are explored: summarizing, line-by-line translation, tandem telling, and inserted phrases. In addition, contributors discuss such topics as the translator’s role, using story in language instruction, presenting tellers of other languages, traveling and giving workshops abroad, and more.
“Tell the World is a wonderful resource for storytellers, educators, and librarians. It provides a framework from which even individuals who have never been bitten by the storytelling bug can benefit as she highlights a variety of basic storytelling techniques, including line-by-line, tandem telling, summarizing, and interesting phrases….MacDonald has done a good job of bringing together a variety of voices frmo throughout the world who share her passion for storytelling.” ―MultiCultural Review
“This is an indispensible guide for those wanting to share stories with audiences who speak another language. The author’s advice, along with that of other experienced tellers, covers myriad facets of this special and relevant method of connecting with members of our greater yet smaller world community….The book includes priceless advice about glitches that others have faced and surmounted. Preparation time with a translator is ideal. Suggestions for programs for hearing-impaired audience members and those who know no translatable languages are included. A clear, complete, practical, and readable treasure trove from a master teacher.” ―School Library Journal
About the Author
Margaret Read MacDonald is an award-winning and internationally renowned author, storyteller, folklorist, and children’s librarian. She has written or edited more than 50 books, and she teaches storytelling at University of Washington Information School and Lesley University. MacDonald has performed bilingual, tandem telling in the States and throughout the world with many listeners who speak little or no English.