Literatura Infantojuvenil - Entrevista com Regina Zilberman sobre literatura

Summary

In this insightful interview, Professor Regina Zilgrimar, an expert in Brazilian children's literature, discusses the significance and evolution of children's and youth literature. She highlights its historical ties to the concept of childhood and the challenges of defining its aesthetic traits. The conversation also delves into the role of literature in educational contexts, the lack of widespread study in Brazilian universities, and the reception of Brazilian literature abroad. Zilgrimar emphasizes the need for a critical approach to understanding and preserving literary works that are often overlooked and advocates for greater academic focus on children's literature within the broader literary field.

Takeaways

• 😀 The concept of children's and youth literature is defined by its intended audience, rather than by the author, focusing on the specific needs and interests of young readers.
• 😀 The emergence of children's literature is historically linked to the modern concept of childhood, particularly in the 18th century with the rise of the modern family structure in Western society.
• 😀 Children's literature must be engaging and appropriate for its audience, which includes characteristics like short sentences, accessible vocabulary, and relatable characters.
• 😀 Despite being aimed at children, children's literature should also be appreciated and understood by adults, such as educators and parents, as they play a crucial role in its dissemination and selection.
• 😀 Literature for children must be carefully crafted to meet the developmental stages and needs of young readers, balancing simplicity with richness in language and themes.
• 😀 In Brazil, the study of children's literature has historically been tied to pedagogy, but over time, it has found a place within literary studies, though it remains a small part of the curriculum.
• 😀 There is a significant gap in the amount of research and academic focus on children's literature in Brazilian universities, despite the large number of institutions and students in the field of literary studies.
• 😀 The international reception of Brazilian children's literature has been positive, with recognition through prestigious awards and significant circulation abroad, despite a lack of attention in some European countries.
• 😀 In addition to written texts, the physical aspects of children's books, such as illustrations, layout, and book materials, are integral to the reader's experience and should be given special attention in research and teaching.
• 😀 Exploring and recovering forgotten works and authors in Brazilian children's literature is essential, as many valuable works have been overlooked or forgotten in the market, and they deserve renewed attention and study.
• 😀 The history of Brazilian children's literature involves key figures like Monteiro Lobato and others who contributed to the creation of a literary system that took shape in the early 20th century, marking the beginning of the genre in Brazil.

Q & A

How would you define Children's Literature and Juvenile Literature?

Children's Literature and Juvenile Literature are genres defined by their target audience rather than by the authors. These genres emerged from the concept of childhood, which developed in the 18th century in Western society. While these genres are specifically created for children and young adults, they are also influenced by adults who select and recommend these works.

Why is it important for Children's Literature to be read by adults as well?

Children's Literature should be read by adults because it serves as a means of understanding the values and ideas presented to children. While it is written for children, the content and style have particular aesthetic characteristics that resonate with both young readers and adults, ensuring its continued relevance and understanding across age groups.

What are some of the aesthetic characteristics of Children's Literature?

Children's Literature tends to feature short, simple sentences with accessible vocabulary, engaging characters, and clear dialogue. The text must be suitable for its target audience, ensuring that the characters and narrative are understandable and relatable to children. The text is often direct, with limited complexity, and illustrations play an essential role in conveying the story.

How do you view the development of Children's Literature studies in Brazilian universities?

The study of Children's Literature in Brazilian universities is still relatively limited, though there has been progress. While some degree programs include courses on Children's Literature, it is not yet universally mandatory. There is a need for further integration of this field into academic curricula, as well as for more focused research in this area, especially given the large number of undergraduate and postgraduate programs in Brazil.

How does the international landscape compare to Brazil's studies in Children's Literature?

Internationally, studies on Children's Literature vary across countries. In some regions, like Germany and the UK, there is strong academic interest, especially regarding literary history, gender studies, and the cultural role of Children's Literature. However, the studies are not as developed in some other regions, such as parts of Latin America, though there has been recognition of Brazilian authors abroad.

What is the importance of researching and recovering lost or forgotten Children's Literature works?

Recovering lost works is crucial because many valuable texts have been forgotten or lost over time. These works, like those by Jerônimo Monteiro and Sidônio Muralha, offer innovative narratives and historical perspectives that can enrich the field. By studying these forgotten works, scholars can better understand the evolution of Children's Literature and its broader cultural impact.

What advice do you have for researchers and educators working with Children's Literature?

Researchers and educators should focus on both the text itself and the broader context of the book. It is essential to examine how the physical attributes of a children's book (such as its illustrations, material, and design) influence its reception. Additionally, exploring the history of Children's Literature in Brazil and globally can provide valuable insights into its development and significance.

Why is the system of Children's Literature, as described by Candido, significant?

Candido’s concept of the literary system highlights the organization of literature within a society. In the case of Children's Literature, it identifies how the genre evolved over time, particularly in Brazil, with key figures such as Monteiro Lobato and others contributing to its development. This system is significant because it frames how Children's Literature both reflects and shapes societal values.

What is the role of illustrations in Children's Literature?

Illustrations play a crucial role in Children's Literature as they help convey the narrative, enrich the text, and make the story accessible to young readers. The visual elements of a book often serve as a bridge for children who are still developing their reading skills, helping them engage with the story in a way that words alone may not.

What is the relationship between Children's Literature and pedagogy?

Historically, Children's Literature was closely tied to pedagogy, as it was initially studied in the context of educational materials for schools. However, over time, the field evolved to include more critical literary analysis, moving beyond pedagogical functions to include aesthetic and cultural considerations. While pedagogy still influences the study of Children's Literature, there is now a stronger emphasis on literary criticism.