A Translation Proposal for the Handbook Successfully Teaching and Managing Children with ADHD by Fintan O’Regan: Textual Analysis and Translation Commentary

Abstract

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a widely discussed yet often misunderstood condition, particularly in the educational context. Despite the growing body of research, Italian teachers frequently lack the necessary resources and training to effectively support pupils with ADHD. In a landscape where knowledge is crucial for the development and well-being of these children, the availability of practical, authoritative handbooks becomes essential. This thesis takes on the challenge of translating selected sections of Fintan O’Regan’s Successfully Teaching and Managing Children with ADHD (Routledge, 2019) from English into Italian. This comprehensive guide, aimed primarily at Special Educational Needs Coordinators (SENCOs) and teachers, provides invaluable insights into both the scientific and practical aspects of ADHD, offering strategies for fostering a supportive learning environment. The translation seeks to address the critical gap in resources available to Italian educators, aiming to contribute to their understanding and management of ADHD in the classroom. The dissertation is divided into four sections. First, it explores the nature of ADHD and its implications for the school setting, provides an overview of the handbook genre, and addresses the context of publication in both the UK and Italy. The second chapter offers an in-depth analysis of the source text, while the third chapter presents the translation of the introduction and first three chapters of the manual. Finally, the concluding section reflects on the translation process, examining the strategies and techniques employed in light of the analysis provided. This research contributes to the field of translation studies by exploring the balance between linguistic accuracy and cultural relevance. It underscores the complexities and considerations involved in translating educational materials for diverse cultural contexts, emphasising the challenges of adapting content to meet the specific needs of different audiences.