- Project partners: Dr phil. Mirëlinda Shala (translator) in international cooperation with various linguists, translators and editors from D-A-CH, Albania and Kosovo
- Objective: To provide a high-quality translation of an important Albanian classic to promote literary and cultural dialogue between Albanian and German-speaking societies in the D-A-CH countries.
- Duration: May 2025 to September 2026
- Project amount for translation, editing and publication costs: 16,000 CHF
- Amount still required: 8,000 CHF
Project description
The project includes the professional translation of the important Albanian diary novel Sikur të isha djalë (German: Wenn ich ein Junge wäre) by Haki Stërmilli from the Ghegian dialect into German. The novel was published in 1936 and is now considered the first feminist work in Albanian literary history.
At the centre of the story is Shadije (‘Dije’), a young girl who is trapped in patriarchal structures. ‘Our life is empty, meaningless, sad and without any colour. It is more like death than life. We are prisoners and every right is denied to us,’ she writes in despair in her diary. Her fate vividly illustrates the effects of social constraints that deny women any self-determination. Dije’s struggle is still relevant today in many respects and is a reminder that the fight for equal rights is still necessary – and not just in Albanian-speaking countries.
Due to its Ghegian dialect, the original is often difficult for younger generations to understand today. The translation therefore enables both the Albanian diaspora and German-speaking readers and educational institutions to rediscover this work.
The translated book is addressed to:
- Members of the Albanian diaspora in Switzerland and German-speaking countries
- – German-speaking readers with an interest in Albanian literature and culture
- – Students, researchers and teachers of education, literature, linguistics, cultural studies and history
- – Educational and cultural institutions in Switzerland (associations, schools, libraries, universities and universities of applied sciences)
- – Members of the ARSIMI association
Donations
Every donation is welcome. Please use the payment slip and fill out the form below so we can send you confirmation of your tax deduction. Account: ARSIMI, Zurich, CH24 0900 0000 8766 6146 4
