The Selection Of Translation Strategies For The Culturally-Loaded Elements In Subtitle Translation-A Case Study Of American TV Series The Good WIFE

Along with the rapid development of the Internet, people all over the world are gaining unprecedented access to online resources. Naturally, American TV series, with its bold ideas, strong sense of humor and refreshing values, are wining increasing popularity among Chinese audiences. These TV programs, showcasing every aspect of the American culture, are undoubtedly attractive but also can be confusing every now and then to people with a different culture speaking a different language as they are filled with cultural elements. Through language people share their ideas but it is the culture that forms these ideas. Thus, it is of unparalleled importance to properly deal with these culturally-loaded elements. It is falling upon the translators to bridge the cultural gap and smooth the way for cultural exchange.In the case of subtitle translation, the task is even harder considering all the constraints imposed by the medium. The author, working as a part-time subtitle translator in a fansub group for more than two years, have been repeatedly confronted by all sorts of culturally-loaded elements and have summarized a set of translation strategies which could effectively clarify the confusion and lead to a solution. To begin with, all the culturally-loaded elements appeared in the TV series should be sorted out based on Nida’s categorization of culturally-loaded elements which has been proved very effective in subtitle translation. Then a proper translation strategy can be employed after carefully weighing all the constraints in subtitle translation. By comparing with works of other fansub groups, this report will analyze the strengths and shortcomings of each strategy and summarize a set of applicable and effective strategies to deal with culturally-loaded elements in subtitle translation.