The Register Theory As Guidance In Subtitle Translation

Language activity in movies, generated from given situations, is typically contextualized. Regardless of the context of culture, the context of situation can be deemed as an effective tool to interpret the language activity in movies. The register theories of M.A.K. Halliday and J.R. Martin analyzed the three situation factors-field, tenor and mode-in which language operates and the part played by language in them. These theories are of instructive significance in tackling certain problems such as how to represent the effective, life-like, personal and emotional language as well as demonstrate the style and charm of the movie in subtitle translation.The movie Everybody’s Fine describes a recently widowed retiree, Frank’s cross-country visit to each of his children. Evoking reflections on the family relations in industrialized society, the movie is of great social significance. With this movie script as research sample, the thesis, according to register theories, intends to analyze the context of situation of dialogues in movie from the aspects of field, tenor and mode, and tries to conclude some translation strategies as food for thought in the translation process of movie subtitles.