The Translation of Extralinguistic Cultural References in the Subtitles of the Movie Ocean’s 13: A Case Study Cover Image

Prevođenje izvanjezičnih kulturoloških pojmova u titlovima filma Oceanovih 13: studija slučaja
The Translation of Extralinguistic Cultural References in the Subtitles of the Movie Ocean’s 13: A Case Study

Author(s): Lidija Mustapić
Subject(s): Film / Cinema / Cinematography, Translation Studies
Published by: Filozofski fakultet Sveučilišta u Mostaru
Keywords: translation; subtitling; extralinguistic cultural references; translation strategy; subtitling constraints;

Summary/Abstract: Being the manifestation of culture, language reflects both universal and culturally specific aspects of the life of a community. The translation of universal concepts is simple because they do not have to be explained to the target text users. However, problems may arise when dealing with culture-specific concepts. In such cases, translation is not merely a linguistic act, but also the mediation between cultures. Translating culture-specific references is particularly demanding in subtitles due to the constraints of subtitling. The aim of this case study is to illustrate the problems subtitlers encounter when translating extralinguistic cultural references as well as the effect different factors have on the translation of such concepts. Using the movie Ocean’s 13 as an example, we will demonstrate that the choice of translation strategies in the subtitles of this movie frequently depended on the interaction of different factors. Some of these factors can make the translator’s job easier, while others can complicate the process of translation.

  • Issue Year: 5/2016
  • Issue No: 5
  • Page Range: 9-26
  • Page Count: 18
  • Language: Croatian