Lost in (Mis)Translation: Paratextual Framing in Selected Arabic Translations of Orwell’s Animal Farm

Paratextuality plays a key role in cultural stereotyping and ideological framing of the translated texts pre-positions reader by setting certain expectations (Baker 2006). They also serve as tool adaptation (Genette 1997), superimposing interpretations author’s intentions ideologies. Here, George Orwell’s Animal Farm is an optimum example. The rising interest its Arabic translation, especially wake Arab Spring uprisings bears on politicized readings text, manifested paratextual elements accompanying translations. present study investigates renderings mainstreaming frames stereotypes about narrative. Drawing Genette (1997), we close-read peritexts translations probe potential functions. So far, sixteen plus novel have been published. This recent translational influx reflects, besides literary significance novella, increasing reading it symbolizing socio-political change. As process where content transfer transform(ation) overlap, translation involves inevitable degree bias (Venuti 2012). novella was largely appropriated translators political manifesto, to disregard other valances. For readership, belongs long line allegorical tales, not so much different from works like Kalila wa Dimna (The Panchatantra), prevails over literary. thus draws Lefevere (1992), Kress van Leeuwen (2006), Van Dijk (2003), Baker (2006) exploring sites for translatorial/editorial intervention, framing, appropriation text. It use contestation agency validity, interpretive foreclosure ways that suppress/miss layers meaning novella.