Adaptation Theory Approach To Dubbing Translation In Sitcom

With the frequently exchanging of domestic and foreign audio-visual materials, more and more movies and TV programmes have been imported into China. An increasing number of sitcoms from foreign countries, particularly the United States, have been accepted and adored by Chinese viewers. However, domestic researches on dubbing translation of sitcoms are rare. Relative academic studies are quite weak, especially in the field of humor translation in sitcoms. In view of this paradox, this thesis is intended to probe into the influence of contextual factors to dubbing translation of humor scripts in sitcom based on Verschueren's Adaptation Theory from a macro-pragmatic perspective. It explores how adaptation to contextual constraints takes place in dubbing translation which enables to achieve an equal effect on the Chinese viewers.Verschueren's adaptation theory believes using language is a process of the continuous making of linguistic choices. The language user can make choices because of the three characteristics of languages: variability, negotiability and adaptability. Adaptability is the core of language using and employing every language should make dynamic adaptation according to the context. Dubbing translation is a cross-cultural communication and a dynamic process of making adaptation with regard to linguistic structure and context at various levels of salience, which therefore can be approached by Verschueren's Adaptation Theory.This thesis consists of six chapters. Chapter one makes an introduction to the research background, research significance, research methods and thesis structure. Chapter two gives a review of dubbing translation and its features. Chapter three makes a detailed introduction to Verschueren's Adaptation Theory. The dynamic role of context in dubbing translation is expounded, which facilitates further analysis of this thesis. Chapter four makes a brief introduction of TV sitcoms. Chapter five describes and explains the translator's adaptability. It tentatively summarizes some dubbing translation strategies from the perspective of context adaptation theory by analyzing the dubbing translation of humor scripts in the sitcom, Growing Pains.In conclusion, the researcher holds that the Adaptation Theory can offer a new method and a new thinking pattern for the dubbing translation of humor scripts in sitcoms. It is helpful for translator to choose suitable dubbing translation strategies according to the need of target viewers.