Question

The term 'subtitle' in translation studies typically refers to:

• A. The spoken dialogue of a film presented visually on screen.
• B. A brief introductory text before a film begins.
• C. The process of translating a film's script without any visual aids.
• D. A summary of the film's plot.

Answer 1

Answer:

A. The spoken dialogue of a film presented visually on screen.

Understanding 'Subtitle' in Translation Studies

• Definition: In translation studies, 'subtitle' specifically refers to the rendering of spoken dialogue or commentary from audiovisual content into text displayed visually on the screen.
• Purpose: The primary function of subtitles is to make films, television programs, and other audiovisual materials accessible to audiences who do not understand the original language or who are deaf or hard of hearing.
• Distinction from Dubbing: It's crucial to differentiate subtitles from dubbing. Dubbing replaces the original audio track with a translated one, whereas subtitling presents the translated text alongside the original audio.
• Types of Subtitling:
  • Interlingual Subtitling: Translating from one language to another (e.g., English to Spanish). This is the most common type in international film distribution.
  • Intralingual Subtitling: Translating within the same language (e.g., English to English). This is primarily used for the deaf and hard of hearing (closed captions), often including sound effects and speaker identification.
• Challenges in Subtitling: Translators face unique challenges, including:
  • Spatial and Temporal Constraints: Subtitles must fit within specific screen areas and be displayed long enough to be read comfortably, requiring conciseness and efficient translation.
  • Cultural Nuances: Conveying humor, idioms, and cultural references accurately while remaining comprehensible to the target audience.
  • Synchronization: Ensuring the text appears and disappears in sync with the spoken dialogue.
• Significance in Audiovisual Translation (AVT): Subtitling is a core component of AVT, a specialized field within translation that deals with the transfer of audiovisual works.
• Competitive Exam Relevance: Understanding the precise definitions and distinctions within translation studies, such as the difference between subtitling and dubbing, is vital for questions related to language, literature, and media studies in competitive exams.