Reading between the covers

Abstract

Abstract This research examines the use of paratextual features in the Arabic translations of Toni Morrison’s novel, The Bluest Eye , specifically analyzing the translations by Kamel Youssef Hessein (Target Text 1, TT1) and Fadel Al-Sultani (Target Text 2, TT2). Paratextual components such as titles, book covers, introductions, forewords, and footnotes significantly influence readers’ understanding and interpretation, especially in literary translations. The aim of this study is to examine how paratextual elements in the Arabic translations of Morrison’s novel are shaped by cultural, ideological, and gendered considerations. By comparing the visual and semantic presentation of the original text with its Arabic translations, this paper examines adjustments to paratextual elements that reflect the target audience’s cultural expectations. The analysis encompasses various aspects, including title selection, book cover design, forewords, dedications, and explanatory footnotes, to demonstrate their impact on reader engagement and comprehension. The results indicate that translators’ decisions are guided by their cultural, ideological, and gender orientations, which, in turn, shape their translation strategies and may influence how readers interpret the text. Ultimately, the study highlights both the complexities of literary translation and the active role that translators play in negotiating cultural and linguistic boundaries.