An Analysis Of The Chinese Film Subtitles Translation From The Perspective Of Skopostheories

Culture communication especially film communication between China and other nations has been increasing greatly these years. Film subtitles translation is a new branch of multimedia translation. Subtitled films cannot only provide maximal information in a short-term period,but also satisfy the audience who want to enjoy the original language and sense in films. Scholars in western countries have carried out many researches on film subtitles translation (FST) more extensively and intensively, thus common ground has been reached and conventions have been established in terms of translation strategies and quality norms. In comparison, to a great extent the development of this field in China lags behind largely. At present, the qualities of abundant audiovisual products in Chinese market are at quite different levels due to the weak theoretical instructions and normalization. Therefore, intensive study on Chinese-English film subtitles translation will be fulfilled both theoretically and practically in order to promote the quality of film subtitles.On the basis of predecessors'research,this paper adopts a functionalist approach theory, especially Skopostheories to ana1yze the influencing factors that affect the choice of film subtitles translation strategies, and then to instruct the translation action of the film subtitlers in the translation process. Based on film subtitles selected by the author, this essay intends to analyze the strategies of film subtitles translation and other related issues from the perspective of functionalist theories, especially Skopostheories. The function of subtitle is to maximally convey, under the constraints of time and space, the information of the original speeches to the audience and achieve conversion of cultures at the same time. In the framework of Skopostheorie,subtitles translation is a purposeful activity and the Skopos (purpose) of the translational action is the prime principle that determines the translation process. According to theory of translational action, subtitle translation is also regarded as an interpersonal interaction, rather than an action solely decide by the subtitlers. German functionalist theory holds that translation should center on translation purpose. The translation standards should be many-faceted relationships between the source-text producer, translation initiator, commissioner, subtitler and target-text reviewers should all be taken into consideration in the translation process. Meanwhile, the function of cross-cultural communication should be stressed. Obviously, Functionalism theory can provide feasible theoretical instruction for subtitle translation.In this thesis, the author takes authentic subtitles examples from the selected films directed by famous directors such as"The Founding of a Republic","Empire of Silver"and"The Assembly"to testify the instructive significance of Functionalist Approaches. Finally, the conclusion is drawn that Skopostheorie broadens the horizon of film translation by putting translation into a scope of dynamic actions that integrate the many-faceted relationships between the film producer, director, translator, target audience, translation brief, time, space and multi-media. Therefore, Skopostheorie can be considered as a feasible and scientific guideline to the film subtitles translation.