Re-interpreting Sen and Chihiro's spiriting away : a semiotic analysis and translation of Japanese animation

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the wake of the fansubbing phenomenon, the ‘traditional’ means of translating for the screen could be seen as becoming outdated and inappropriate for modern audiences, especially those who seek to connect and interact more with the source cultures of the media they consume, such as the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.