INTERSEMIOTIC TRANSLATION: BUZZATI'S BOOK COVERS IN ALBANIA

Abstract

When a literary work is transferred from a source cultural and literary system to a target one, the process involves more than simple textual transposition; it also encompasses the adaptation of paratextual elements to make the work more accessible, attractive, and aligned with the expectations of the target audience. The study of these paratextual elements in translation is increasingly gaining importance, given their significance for the editorial success of a work. In this context, particular attention is paid to the cover, which is considered a complex, syncretic text with multiple functions. The aim of this research is to analyze how Albanian publishers have localized and reinterpreted the covers of Buzzati’s works, focusing specifically on the evolution of design across different editions over the years. The goal is to highlight how readers’ tastes and expectations change over time, prompting publishers to renew and adapt their visual and graphic choices. This underscores the importance of continually reassessing communication strategies.