A Functional Approach towards Translation of Symbols in Children Literature – A Case – Study of Persian Translation of Harry Potter and Philosopher’s Stone’s Symbols Translated by Sa’eed Kebriayi

Childhood is an important stage in one’s life. At this stage children acquire their social and cultural values and begin to shape their identity. This study investigates the translation of symbols in children’s literature, in general, and the translation of J.K Rowling’s Harry Potter and Philosopher’s Stone in specific with special focus on symbol and word choice. The findings indicate that not only universal symbols are translatable, but also cultural – specific symbols can be translated from one language into another, with some trivial nuance of meaning lost. Analysis show that the translator has obtained various translation strategies including modifications, omissions, and, sometimes additions, to avoid cultural and ideological misunderstanding