“Barekendan” around the world
Hovhannes Tumanyan's fairy tales "Barekendan" and "Sutasan" have been translated into over 12 languages. The man behind the translations is former cameraman, journalist, linguist Richard Gidachyan who says the idea of translating the Armenian fairy tales was born years ago, but was only implemented last year.
"I published the first translated Armenian fairy tale on the occasion of Hovhannes Tumanyan's 140th anniversary. The book is designed for children of all ages, starting from the cradle. Children often demand that their parents read them fairy tales and that is why we have called this series "Happy Fairy Tales Before Going To Sleep"," said Richard Gidachyan.
Children can also listen to the fairy tales on a CD attached to the small, illustrated book.
"The experts, often foreigners read the fairy tales with correct pronunciation. If a child wants to learn a foreign language, he or she can listen to the correct pronunciation. For instance, a Chinese Conservatory student reads the Chinese version of the fairy tales, and former Ukrainian Ambassador to Armenia Alexander Bozhko reads the Ukrainian version," said Mr. Gidachyan.
Richard Gidachyan has never received any government support or assistance from non-governmental organizations. That is the reason why the fairy tales are printed in only several hundreds of copies.
"Last year, I presented the books during a book presentation in Russia. One of Moscow's bookstore clerks ordered 400 copies at once. I know that book sales are successful there, but the fact remains that I don't have the chance to participate in international book fairs and present the fairy tales often," said Richard Gidachyan.
Hovhannes Tumanyan's "Tern u Tsaran" (Master and the Servant) will soon be translated into several languages. The purpose of the translations is to introduce the world to Armenian fairy tales.
