In recent years, there has been a growing recognition of paratextual elements in the translated texts. However, the study of paratext hitherto has focused mainly on well-known languages. In response to this gap, the present study investigates the use of footnotes as paratextual elements in the Kurdish translation of George Orwell’s Animal Farm. Employing a descriptivequalitative method, the research analyzes the translator’s footnotes based on Buendía’s (2013) distinction between informative and performative notes, and Venuti’s (1995) dichotomy of foreignization and domestication. The collected footnotes were examined across three dimensions: category, content, and function. The analysis illustrates that the annotated items primarily fall into two categories, cultural and political. Culturally loaded terms related to the novel’s setting and politically charged expressions tied to its thematic concerns are explained through footnotes. Most entries adopt a dictionary-like style providing brief informative explanations, while a smaller number reflect the translator’s evaluative stance. The overall pattern indicates a dominant foreignizing strategy aimed at preserving the cultural specificity of the source text. Nevertheless, the translator’s inconsistent use of footnotes and excessive reliance on borrowing suggest limited strategic control.
