Books build bridges between Inuit children in Canada and Greenland. Inuit children in Canada and Greenland now can share their reading materials thanks to an international publishing agreement. The title “Sila” marks the first literary translation between two Inuit languages. Thanks to translator Lisa Qiluqqi Koperqualuk, a book for children on climate change is now available in Inuktitut. The book was originally written by Lana Hansen in Greenland.
“The new translated books from Canada refer to various Inuit legends and myths and are beautifully illustrated by Canadian artists,” reads an online publication by the Greenland Education Authority. Ilinniartitaanermut Aqutsisoqarfik. “The books can be used as easy-to-read reading material for middle-class students, as well as reading books for younger and preschool groups.
In December 2020, a French version of “Sila” will also be published as a joint publication of the Isberg series of the Université du Québec, which is managed by the editor Daniel Chartier and the Avataq Cultural Institute of Nunavut. Chartier said that the publication of “Sila” is the first literary translation between two Inuit languages.
Heiner Kubny, PolarJournal
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