Cultural Gaps in the Spanish Translation of the Brazilian Short Story El Picapalo Amarillo by Monteiro Lobato

Acosta-Velásquez C.; Gallent-Torres C. · Sendebar (2026) · DOI: 10.30827/sendebar.v36.32608

Resumen

This article analyzes the cultural gaps that arise in the translation of the short story O Picapau Amarelo (1939) by Monteiro Lobato, one of the most prominent authors in Brazilian children's literature. The work, translated into Spanish in 2023 as El Picapalo amarillo, incorporates references to the country's fauna, flora, gastronomy, and customs, as well as values that reflect the Brazilian society's worldview. However, many of these elements suffer cultural losses due to the difficulty of transferring them to the target culture. The study examines specific examples that highlight these cultural challenges, using Igareda's (2011) thematic classification as the methodological framework. It also provides useful explanations for future translations and addresses the tensions between adaptation and cultural fidelity. Finally, it reflects on the importance of preserving cultural authenticity in translation and proposes approaches to tackle these challenges while preserving the meaning and richness of the original text. © (2026), (Universidad de Granada). All rights reserved.

Instituciones: Universidad Peruana de Ciencias Aplicadas