On The Film Subtitle Translation Of Avatar From The Perspective Of Skopostheorie

Within the framework of Skopostheorie, this thesis attempts to conduct descriptive analysis of subtitling process to explore the appropriate principles and techniques which can be applied to film subtitle translation.Skopostheorie suggests that translation be a purposeful activity and translation principles, techniques be determined by the purpose of the target texts. Film subtitle translation is of no exception. It intends to provide the most relevant information to the audiences of a certain culture within the constraints of time and space to help them better understand and appreciate the film, maximally realizing its commercial value. Skopostheorie which meets the special requirements of film subtitle translation is of great applicability to it. Therefore, during the process of subtitle translation, in order to achieve the purpose (skopos) of film subtitle translation, certain principles should be followed and corresponding translation techniques should be adopted with the framework of Skopostheorie.To begin with, based on the Skopostheorie, the descriptive analysis of the skopos of film subtitle translation, constraints, the factors influencing the techniques of film subtitle translation is made and principles that are applicable to subtitle translation from both linguistic and cultural perspectives within the framework of Skopostheorie are summarized. Then a case study of Chinese and English subtitles in Avatar is conducted to further illustrate the applicability of Skopostheorie to film subtitle translation. Through the analysis of abundant examples, some useful techniques both from linguistic and cultural perspectives within the framework of Skopostheorie for subtitle translation which can be used as guidance to the translators'translational practice are put forward. Last but not least, the conclusion that the subtitle translation of Avatar is generally successful except for a few failures can be safely drawn with the abundant examples and that Skopostheorie can be used as a theoretical framework to guide the subtitle translation practice.