Cultural View On Subtitle Translation Of Hong Kong Films

Cultural translation theory deems cultural communication as its core pursuit while films are indispensable media in culture promotion. Facing receptors of another language and culture, a film relies much on the quality of subtitle translation to invite appreciation. However, problems occur in various ways in subtitle translation, awaiting discussion and modification. Hong Kong captures the whole world by its unique charming culture, as well as its films. Doubtlessly, idiomatic subtitle translation with cultural translation being a guideline would better explain and deliver the film, and its connotation and cultural contribution. This thesis employs cultural translation theory to strike for cultural solutions to subtitle translation of Hong Kong films through case study of A Chinese Ghost Story. Characteristics of Hong Kong culture and film subtitles are explored in this study and the problems and defects of subtitle translation of Hong Kong films are generalized, aiming to propose feasible rectification. This thesis fills in the blank of utilizing cultural translation in subtitle translation of Hong Kong films and it might enlighten further brilliant thoughts on Hong Kong filming arts and culture delivery.This thesis consists of six chapters. Chapter1introduces the research background, purpose and significance. Chapter2reviews the literature both at home and abroad relating culture of Hong Kong, cultural translation and subtitle translation. Previous studies and thoughts are discussed with a critical eye. Chapter3lays the theoretical foundation for this thesis and elaborates on Susan Bassnett’s cultural translation theory. Chapter4generalizes the features of subtitle and puts forward criteria for subtitle translation. Cultural features and linguistic features of Hong Kong films are talked about in this chapter too. Chapter5tries to propose cultural solutions to subtitle translation of Hong Kong films by exposing and categorizing non-cultural translations of subtitle and establishing requirements for subtitle translation. And strategy and specific techniques for translating subtitles culturally are suggested and explained by examples. Chapter6is a conclusion to the thesis, summarizing the findings, significance and limitations of the research.