Tell the World: Storytelling Across Language Barriers [Paperback]

Margaret Read MacDonald (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: November 30, 2007 | ISBN-10: 1591583144 | ISBN-13: 978-1591583141

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.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

This is an indispensable 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. MacDonald says, "…the human heart finds ways to connect across language barriers." Interest in and respect for other cultures, histories, languages, and mores are prerequisites for storytelling in general, and, in this specialty, are absolutely essential. She also presents the pluses and minuses of various ways of translating (line by line; in tandem; summarizing; bilingual). Equally important to words are the rhythms, gestures, intonations, and facial expressions that are vital to the audience watching and listening to the teller. 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.—Judy Sokoll, Florida Storytelling Association, Naples
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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."

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School Library Journal

"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."

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MultiCultural Review

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Product Details

• Paperback: 192 pages
• Publisher: Libraries Unlimited (November 30, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1591583144
• ISBN-13: 978-1591583141
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 6 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,725,060 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Dr. Margaret Read MacDonald travels the world telling stories....always on the lookout for more great folktales to share. She shapes these found stories into tellable tales which anyone can share with ease. Filling her folktale collections with these delightful tales, she creates perfect read alouds for you and your family. MRM wants everyone to experience the joy of a beautifully told tale. She hopes you will read them a few times...then put down the book...put down the electronic device...and just TELL the story to your children!

Some of her favorite folktales she expands into picture books...hopefully with delightfully readable language while will roll right out of your mouth. Share them with your children and then....act the tales out! Revisit the tales by TELLING them! At bedtime. While on the road. Fill your pockets with great stories to share wherever you go.

Joining her Folklore Ph.D. with her 30 plus years as a children's librarian, Margaret brings folktales to life in playful, lilting language which should delight both reader and listener.

See her performance schedule at: www.margaretreadmaconald.com