Translating Death of a Salesman during Socialist Realism in Albania
Translating Death of a Salesman during Socialist Realism in Albania

Summary/Abstract: Arthur Miller’s play Death of a Salesman has been translated into many languages and adapted to different stages and cultures. This paper analyses the translation aspects of Piro Misha’s 1986 Albanian version under the title Vdekja e një Komisioneri. The paper provides insights into the translation procedures used by Misha to align with the Communist regime propaganda against capitalism, secure acceptance from editors and the state publishing house, and maintain the flow and appeal for the audience. The study provides various examples from Source Text and Target Text by drawing comparisons and offering critical translation analysis on different translation problems ranging from the translation of the title to the translation of more complicated grammar structures, idioms, expressions, culture-bound words, symbols, images, stage directions, etc. While the tragic myth, past illusions, and distorted reality of Willy Loman are clear and identifiable in the play, the translator has managed to give the translation an Albanian flair by presenting Willy as the simple man, the man of the masses who suffered the consequences of harsh and cruel capitalism in the USA. When examined, the tone, style, and lexical and cultural elements are skilfully adjusted and sometimes even altered to align with the expectations of a Socialist Realist readership and audience.Furthermore, this study explores the dual impact of Socialist Realism on the reception and translation of Arthur Miller’s Death of a Salesman in Albania. While the play’s portrayal in contemporary newspapers was heavily influenced by the ideological demands of the time, framing it within an anti-capitalist narrative, Piro Misha’s translation remained true to Miller’s original work. This paradox highlights how propaganda, while shaping public perception, simultaneously enabled the uncensored dissemination and performance of a significant American play, preserving its core message for future audiences.

• Details
• Contents