With the development and growing popularity of new technologies, audiovisual translation is becoming of paramount importance in recent translation studies. One of the most intricate forms of translation is subtitling because of its semiotic composition and limitations. In addition, different kinds of movies can be found in the media, for example comedies, that also involve particularly intricate aspects. One of them is humor, which requires extra attention. This multifarious phenomenon entails handling language- and culture-specific elements. While watching a subtitled foreign comedy, we do not realize what a complex process the translator has carried out. This paper will study the idea of how humor is best rendered in subtitles and evaluate selected techniques used in translating humorous excerpts of movies.
The theoretical part of this paper comprised of two chapters will thoroughly study audiovisual translation, especially subtitling, Relevance Theory and humor with special focus on its translation.
The practical part, which is the third chapter, will deal with translation techniques that I have selected from recent studies and, which is new in the field of translation study, will asses their application specifically in subtitling humor. To clarify, the chapter will exemplify and discuss the techniques a translator can use when translating humor. Crucial as the techniques are, I will look into their use within particular contexts. Their application will be illustrated by authentic excerpts taken from the recently produced box-office comedies Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason, Love Actually and Scary Movie 3. Using Relevance Theory as a reference point, the final intended effect of humor will be the focus of this study. In other words, I will attempt to scrutinize whether the humorous effect is achieved in each of the target texts.
Summing up, this paper aims to discuss the main issues pertaining to subtitling and humor with reference to Relevance Theory. As both subtitling and humor cause some challenges for the translator, both possible problems and possible solutions will be considered. In the case of a subtitled comedy, the audience is supposed to interpret the intended humor supported by a written text and image.
Table of Contents
Introduction
1. Translation and audiovisual translation
1.1. Subtitling
1.1.1. The semiotics of subtitling
1.1.2. The constraints of subtitling
1.2. The pragmatics of translation
1.2.1. Speech acts
1.2.2. Gricean maxims
1.2.3. Implicature and explicature
1.2.4. Presupposition
1.3. Relevance Theory and translation
1.3.1. Relevance Theory and pragmatics
1.3.2. Interpretive use vs. descriptive use
1.4. Covert translation vs. overt translation
1.5. Dynamic equivalence vs. formal equivalence
2. What is humor?
2.1. Forms of humor
2.1.1. Wordplay
2.1.2. Irony
2.1.3. Parody
2.2. Humor and Relevance Theory
2.3. Translating humor
2.3.1. The translatability of humor
2.3.2. Solutions to problems in translating humor
3. Translation techniques in subtitling elements containing humor
3.1. Preliminary considerations
3.1.1. Condensation
3.1.2. Inflectional condensation
3.1.3. Referencing
3.1.4. Decimation
3.1.5. Name deletion
3.1.6. Transposition/structural conversion
3.1.7. Modulation
3.1.8. Substitution
3.1.9. Paraphrase
3.1.10. Literal translation
3.1.11. Neologisms
3.1.12. Augmentation
3.2. Conclusion
Research Objectives and Themes
The primary objective of this thesis is to examine the process of translating humor in audiovisual media, specifically within the context of subtitling. The research focuses on the challenges posed by language- and culture-specific elements and evaluates how various translation techniques can effectively preserve the intended humorous effect while adhering to the technical constraints of subtitling, utilizing Relevance Theory as a theoretical framework.
- The semiotics and technical constraints of film subtitling.
- Pragmatic principles and Relevance Theory in translation.
- Categorization and forms of humor (wordplay, irony, parody).
- Evaluation of translation techniques such as condensation, decimation, and substitution.
- Analysis of humor translation in contemporary box-office comedies.
Excerpt from the Book
3.1.1. Condensation
The technique of condensation leaves out parts of the text that are unnecessary for its comprehension. This procedure usually concerns “normal speech” where expressions are shortened. Gottlieb (1992: 167) ascertains that “the only loss implied in a condensation is the loss of redundant oral language features.” Accordingly, Bogucki (2004: 138-143) asserts that the subtitler can omit repetitions, qualifiers, connectives, detailed content, marked employment of register or style (e.g. being polite), complex syntax, phatic markers and question tags. According to Relevance Theory, repetitions may affect the processing effort negatively (Sperber and Wilson 1986: 219). This implies that a reasonable use of condensation may make it easier to achieve the comic effect and give the viewers more time to enjoy watching the actors. Therefore, if the translator utilizes techniques guided by the needs of the receivers, the final product may result in target-oriented translation. Besides, in omitting the less important items, the final subtitle becomes shorter and simpler than the original. Here, the style might be changed without losing the meaning. Since the condensed text is less complicated, comprehension should be enhanced.
Summary of Chapters
1. Translation and audiovisual translation: This chapter defines the core concepts of translation, provides a classification of audiovisual media, and explores the semiotic and technical constraints inherent in subtitling.
2. What is humor?: This section discusses the nature of humor, its various forms such as wordplay, irony, and parody, and examines the inherent challenges of translating humor within the framework of Relevance Theory.
3. Translation techniques in subtitling elements containing humor: This practical chapter analyzes specific translation techniques—including condensation, modulation, and neologisms—and illustrates their application using examples from selected popular comedy films.
Keywords
Audiovisual translation, Subtitling, Relevance Theory, Humor, Translation techniques, Condensation, Wordplay, Irony, Parody, Pragmatics, Semiotics, Language-specific elements, Culture-specific elements, Target-oriented translation, Translation strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary focus of this thesis?
The work investigates the complex process of translating humorous elements in movies into subtitles, focusing on how translators overcome linguistic and cultural barriers.
What are the main thematic areas covered?
The research explores audiovisual translation constraints, the pragmatics of humor, and specific translation techniques used to maintain comic effects.
What is the central research objective?
The goal is to evaluate which translation techniques best facilitate the audience's understanding of humor while adhering to technical screen limitations.
Which theoretical framework is employed?
The research primarily utilizes Relevance Theory to explain how audiences process information and how translators can minimize cognitive effort for the viewer.
What does the main body of the work address?
The main part of the paper provides a detailed taxonomy of translation techniques, such as condensation, substitution, and neologisms, supported by examples from films like Love Actually and Scary Movie 3.
Which keywords characterize this study?
Key terms include audiovisual translation, subtitling, humor, Relevance Theory, and translation techniques like condensation or paraphrasing.
How does the author define condensation in subtitles?
Condensation is described as the omission of redundant speech elements—such as repetitions or fillers—to ensure that the relevant message remains clear within strict time and space limitations.
What role does the "visual" play in humor translation?
The visual context is crucial, as non-verbal elements like gestures or screen action often compensate for omitted verbal information, helping the viewer arrive at the intended humor.
- Quote paper
- Magdalena Panek (Author), 2009, Subtitling humor - The analysis of selected translation techniques in subtitling elements containing humor , Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/148986
