1.2 significance of studies on subtitle translation

This thesis intends to study the use of functional equivalence and domestication. Although film translation has play a significant role in terms of cross-cultural communication, few researchers paid attention to this field. It failed to draw enough attention from the academic world. Now, some researchers have contributed to the study of film translation but it isn’t enough because the popularity of foreign films isn’t consistent with studies on subtitle translation. The successful subtitle translation need comprehensive application of translation strategies. The studies on subtitle translation is also needed and has played an important role. In China, it doesn’t have specific translation theory used for subtitle translation, so it’s urgent for us to discuss about the theoretical guidance. Studies on subtitle translation will be also helpful to the development of film industry. It will also affects the popularity of foreign films. Film is a popular art, it is also the most popular one. Undoubtedly, subtitle translation can help foreign film achieve more general audience. The audience consist of different classes and have various educational backgrounds, so when translating subtitles, practical translation theory will be applied so that it can be easy for audience to understand. Studies on subtitle translation also has a great impact on the success of film. China has a large population and it’s impossible that everyone can master foreign language, so this is also a reason for us to study on this field. These years, more and more English films with Chinese elements have been great success in China, such as Kungfu Panda II, the forbidden kingdom and so on.

The above reasons support that it’s of great significance to study on the subtitle translation.

1.3 research method

This thesis will study the functional equivalence and domestication by the analysis of the subtitle translation of Kungfu Panda II. I will use explanatory method to study the subtitle translation. In this thesis, a quantity of examples will be cited from to analyze the functional equivalence and domestication, and some comments will be made. By the studies on subtitle translation of Kungfu Panda II, the intention is to evaluate the function of using functional equivalence and domestication.

1.4 thesis structure

The thesis consists of five chapters. Chapter one gives an introduction of the research background and discusses on the significance of the studies, research method and the  

structure of the thesis. Chapter two serves as a literature review. A brief introduction of characteristics and deficiency will be given in this part. It will also illustrate some previous studies on subtitle translation. Chapter three presents Nida’s functional equivalence theory and domestication strategy. It will presents main principles and criteria of the functional equivalence. Chapter four is the main body, serving to discuss the importance of functional equivalence in the subtitle translation of Kungfu Panda II. In this part, some examples will be selected from the subtitle translation to further discuss about the functional equivalence theory. It also concludes some translation strategies such as domestication, addition, omission and flexible use of cultural specific words. In chapter five, it draws a conclusion that functional equivalence theory plays an important role and guides the subtitle translation. Different translation strategies such as domestication and omission should be used in the subtitle translation. Moreover, it will also give the limitation of this thesis and further suggestions.