Abstract:
Both within the field of translation studies and outside of the academic realm entirely,
audiovisual translation is becoming an increasingly relevant and important topic,
especially considering the rapid rate of globalisation thanks to the widespread
prevalence of broadband internet. In the wake of the fansubbing phenomenon, the
‘traditional’ means of translating for the screen could be seen as becoming outdated
and inappropriate for modern audiences, especially those who seek to connect and
interact more with the source cultures of the media they consume, such as the typical
audiences of Japanese animation (anime). By exploring and evaluating alternative
means of translating audiovisual material, more of what is lost by the typically reductive
methods of translating for the screen, especially where subtitling is concerned, could
potentially be salvaged. This study introduces, applies and evaluates a semiotic model
for the subtitling of a Japanese Animated film: Miyazaki’s 2001 Spirited Away. Subtitles
created for the film according to this model are compared with those distributed along
with the DVD version of the film, highlighting the key differences; namely the significant
loss of information that occurs when subtitling according to traditionally prescribed
methods and how this can be prevented by working from a semiotic framework.
