Tentative Approaches To Audiovisual Translation

This thesis applies Nida's theory of dynamic equivalence to the study of audiovisual translation, both in the mode of subtitling and dubbing. Firstly, the thesis gives an account of the definition and connection of language, culture and audiovisual programs. Secondly, this thesis gives the definition of audiovisual translation, and emphasizes the importance of audiovisual translation in modern world. It confirms the legitimacy of audiovisual translation belonging to the field of literary translation. As a sub-field of translation studies, audiovisual translation includes subtitling and dubbing, which distinguishes audiovisual translation from other types of translation. The constraints in audiovisual translation are different from those in other types of translation. The third part gives a general review of the history and status of audiovisual translation first, then emphasizes the priority of mass audience by illustrating the goal of audiovisual translation, which explains the concept of Nida's dynamic equivalence theory. From the above, the author tries to prove the adequacy and feasibility of Nida's theory with its emphasis on the audience's response and acceptance in creating an audience-oriented translation. The fourth part introduces the approaches of audiovisual translation under the guide of dynamic equivalence theory. Based on the four unique characteristics of audiovisual programs, this thesis brings forward five tentative approaches with some illustrative examples. They are popularization, synchronization, marketing guide, characterization and audience-friendliness. In the final part, it makes the summarization that audiovisual programs can be a tremendously influential and extremely powerful vehicle for transferring information in different culture. Dynamic equivalence theory should be took as the guide in audiovisual translating.