Analysis Of Subtitle Translation Errors In American Drama Trophy Wife From The Perspective Of Functional Equivalence Theory

Based on the Functional Equivalence theory proposed by Eugene A. Nida, this thesis centers around the American drama Trophy Wife’s subtitle translation. It makes a comparative analysis of the version of Renren Video and that of Tencent Video, and then it points out the translation errors in the version of Tencent Video and the compatibility between the version of Renren Video and Nida’s Functional Equivalence theory. Finally, it draws the conclusion that Nida’s Functional Equivalence theory is a very important guide for the translators of subtitle translation.Different from the literary works’translation, subtitle translation is limited by the short remaining time and the confined space on the screen. Therefore, translators should consider these factors during their process of translation and decide how to deal with their translation properly. Due to the short remaining time of subtitles on the screen, too complex subtitles will disturb the audience’s appreciation of the pictures. Therefore, the translated version of subtitles should be short and clear. In addition, translators should try to use colloquial expressions, slang and proverbs so that the audiences could appreciate the film easier. Based on the Functional Equivalence theory proposed by Eugene A. Nida, this thesis makes a comparative analysis of the versions of subtitle translation between Tencent video and Renren video at the level of words, sentences and text and finds that there are some translation problems with the version of Tencent video due to the urgency of the update time. On the other hand, this thesis finds that the subtle translation skills used by the translators in Renren video are just in accordance with Nida’s "functional equivalence" theory. Compared with Tencent video’s version, the Renren’s version is relatively concise and easier to understand whether at the levels of the words, sentences or text. The target language chosen by translators of Renren is closer to the source language, which means it is more helpful for target audience to approach the target language from the natural and smooth expression of translation. Thus, if the translators regard Nida’s Functional Equivalence theory as the guidance in the process of subtitle translation, the quality of their translation will be greatly improved.This thesis points out and analyses some mistakes made in the American drama Trophy Wife’s subtitle translation and the causes for them for the purpose of providing more reference for those freelance translators. The author stresses the importance of translation theory and the flexible use of translation techniques to improve the translation quality of subtitles at the end of this paper.