Odklepanje mej

The article analyzes the development and challenges of Albanian literary translation within the Balkan and European contexts, emphasizing the interplay between translation practices, cultural identity, and social influences. Historically, Albanian literature faced significant barriers to international dissemination due to political isolation under the communist regime in Albania and the restrictive environment in Kosovo during the Yugoslav rule. These conditions hindered the growth of translation efforts, resulting in limited exposure of Albanian literary works to foreign audiences. The post-1990 period, following the fall of communism in Albania and the end of the Kosovo War in 1999, marked a revival of literary translation spurred on by the opening of borders, increased cultural exchange, and renewed interest in Albanian literature. Despite these advances, the field continues to face challenges, such as the shortage of translators and the linguistic complexity inherent in translating Albanian. The study employs a comparative analysis of translation practices, integrating qualitative interviews with translators of Albanian literature and examining case studies, in order to investigate how translation navigates the intersections of language, identity, and power in disseminating Albanian literature.