On the Subtitle Translation of Foreign Movies

By Chen Wentao

In partial fulfillment of the requirement

For the B. A. degree

Department of English

School of Languages and Cultures

Nanjing University of Information Science amp; Technology

May,2016

Contents

1. Introduction 4

1.1 Definition of Domestication and Foreignization 4

1.2 Studies and Debate on Domestication and Foreignization 4

1.3. Definition of Subtitle 5

1.4. Theories on the Subtitle Translation 6

1.5 Studies on Domestication and Foreignization in Film Subtitling 7

2. Research of Subtitle Translation 7

2.1. Translation Strategies of Subtitles of the Sitcom Friends Under the Principle of Functional Equivalence 7

2.2.Constraints of Movie Subtitles 8

2.3. Criteria for Quality Subtitling 8

3.The Developing Trend in Foreign Movie Subtitle Translation 9

3.1The Increasing Use of Oral Language,Modern Language and Popular Language. 9

3.2 The Name Using of Celebrity 10

3.3 The Apply of Ancient Poetry and Idioms 10

3.4 Using English, Equivalents to Translate Slang Expressions 11

3.5 The Developing Trend for China Film Subtitle Translation 12

4. Suggestions of the Movie Subtitling 13

5. Conclusion 14

References: 14

On the Subtitle Translation of Foreign Movies

Chen Wentao

Department of English

School of Languages and Cultures

Nanjing University of Information Science amp; Technology

Abstract: Film subtitle translation is a special translation mode, which has its own characteristics and technical constraints. In this paper, we discuss the theoretical research and problems of subtitle translation. At present, Chinese and foreign cultural exchanges become more and more frequent, which also promotes the development of the film industry, and highlights the importance of subtitle translation. However, in China, subtitle translation is a new research field. This report study the subtitling from the aspect of both domestication and foreignization. With the material of different movies,, we analyze the subtitle translation under the application of the translating strategies of domestication and alienation, and have carried on the analysis to the typical cultural features and idioms and proverbs. It says that subtitling can not only conducted by domestication but also by foreignization.

Key words: subtitling translation,；foreignization；domestication

摘 要：目前，中外文化交流日益频繁，这也促进了电影产业的发展，并突出了字幕翻译的重要性。然而，在中国，字幕翻译是一个比较新的研究领域。本研究探讨了归化和异化策略在英语电影字幕翻译中的指导作用。从“冰河时代”的影视资料上，在“归化”和“异化”翻译策略的有效指导下，对电影字幕翻译进行了分析，并对典型的文化特征和成语谚语进行了分析。指出再归化和异化策略指导下，研究字幕策略组合的理论指导，以期待达到更好的翻译效果。

关键词：字幕翻译；异化；归化

1. Introduction

Subtitling, as the main type of film translation, plays an increasingly important role in foreign film. Most films work for the audience convenience and people tend to see the Chinese subtitles rather than a foreign film dubbing, because people want to use their own language ability and expanded knowledge of the external world (Guardini 1998:97). However, people who watch movies prefer to choose foreign films with no subtitles. This fact has prompted us to do more research on how to better carry out subtitle translation. We have to consider these questions: what are the specific features and restrictions of the subtitle translation of foreign films? How to find a way to approve subtitle translation?(Venuti 2004:56 )

1.1 Definition of Domestication and Foreignization

In Dictionary of Translation Studies, Domestication and foreignization translation is used to specify the type of translation in the target text and deliberately break the objectives of the convention reserved some retain the original. Domestication and foreignization is a term to describe the translation strategies and fluent style to minimize the strangeness of the foreign language text to the target readers. (Shuttleworthamp;Cowie 2004:95)

‘Domesticating translation’ and ‘foreignizing translation’ are the terms coined by L.Venut to describe the two different translation strategies. The roots of the terms can be traced back to the German philosopher Schleiermacher’s argument that there are only two different methods of translation, ‘either the translator leaves the author in peace, as much as possible, and moves the reader towards him; or he leaves the reader in peace, as much as possible, and moves the author towards him’.

1.2 Studies and Debate on Domestication and Foreignization

"Domesticating translation" and "foreignizing translation" are the terms coined by L. Venuti . The former refers to the translation strategy, transparent and smooth style to reduce the strangeness of the target readers for the foreign language, the latter is refers to the translator in the translation of "deliberate destruction of the objectives of the Convention have retained the original exotic colors" (Shuttleworth amp;Cowie, 1997:59).

Domestication is to make the localization of the source language to the target language or target readers as a destination, taking the expression of the target language readers are accustomed to convey the original content(Schleiermacher 2004:144). Domesticating translation requires the translator to move closer to the target reader, the translator must talk like their author as the author and the reader in order to direct dialogue, it must be translated into their native language. Domestication translation will help readers better understand the translation, the translation of enhanced readability and appreciation of nature.

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