Audiovisual Translation: Studies On E-C Subtitling

This thesis applies Nida's theory of dynamic equivalence to the study of audiovisual translation, especially in the mode of subtitling. Firstly, the thesis gives a general review of the history and status quo of audiovisual translation and confirms the legitimacy of audiovisual translation belonging to the field of literary translation. It emphasizes the priority of mass audience by illustrating the goal of audiovisual translation. Then, it explains the concept of equivalence, the difference between formal equivalence and dynamic equivalence as well as Nida's theory from the perspective of author versus reader, form versus content and the essence of equivalence. From the above, the author of this thesis tries to prove the adequacy and feasibility of Nida's theory with its emphasis on the reader's response and acceptance in creating an audience-oriented subtitling. Based on the four unique characteristics of subtitled films, namely multiplicity of channels, comprehensiveness, instantaneousness and popularization, this thesis brings forward three practical sub-principles, that is, accuracy of rendering, legibility and intelligibility as well as audience-friendliness under the general principle of dynamic equivalence. The main part of this thesis emphasizes on how to achieve optimum subtitling in view of the mass audience's response and acceptance by implementing the theory of dynamic equivalence into practice. It makes the analysis in the final part at three different levels, namely equivalence at synchronization level, equivalence at linguistic level and equivalence at stylistic level with some illustrative examples.