Abstract:With the vigorous development of the film industry, the film subtitle translation gets more and more attention. The film subtitle translation is an important part of cross-cultural communication, opening a window for learning foreign culture. The film, as an important way of spreading culture, its specific purpose determines the uniqueness of subtitle translation, so the translation behavior should be based on the text to adopt flexible translation strategies, and ultimately achieve the expected function of the translation. Skopos Theory is guided by human behavior theory, researching translation in the scope human behavior theory. Skopos theory supporters consider that translation, with a clear purpose, is an intercultural communication activity based on the original text with the help of translators.

 Kung Fu Panda 2, since the release of in 2011, has achieved a great success in the world, especially in the Chinese film market, so the importance of the film subtitle translation is obvious. Skopos Theory has been widely used in various fields of translation, such as the film title translation and the film subtitle translation, and has been generally recognized. From the perspective of Skopos Theory, this thesis analyzes subtitles of this film, to deepen understanding of the application of Skopos Theory in film subtitle translation, and the positive role Skopos Theory playing in the translation. At the same time, this thesis proposes some limitations of the film subtitle translation in the hope of solving those problems better.

Keywords: film subtitle translation; Kung Fu Panda 2; Skopos Theory

Contents

中文摘要

Abstract

Chapter 1 Introduction-1

1.1 Research Background-1

1.2 Current Studies on Film Subtitle translation-1

1.3 Significance of the Study-1

1.4 Thesis Structure-2

Chapter 2 Film Subtitle Translation-3

2.1 Definition of Subtitles-3

2.2 Function of Subtitles-3

2.3 Features of Film Subtitle Translation-3

2.3.1 Synchronization-3

2.3.2 Impermanency-3

2.3.3 Popularity-4

2.3.4 Integrity-4

2.4 Significance-4

Chapter 3 Skopos Theory-7

3.1 Basic Concepts-7

3.2 Basic Rules-7

3.2.1 Skopos Rule-7

3.2.2 Coherence Rule-8

3.2.3 Fidelity Rule-8

3.2.4 Relations between Three Rules-8

3.3 Summary-9

Chapter 4 The Application of Skopos Theory in Film Subtitle Translation Based on A Case Study of Kung Fu Panda 2-11

4.1 Brief Introduction of Kung Fu Panda 2-11

4.2 Skopos of Film Subtitle Translation-11

4.2.1 The Intention of the Film Directors-11

4.2.2 The Expectations of the Target Audience-12

4.3 Strategies in Film Subtitle Translation-12

4.3.1 Domestication-12

4.3.2 Literal Translation-13

4.3.3 Translation Combined with Buzzwords-13

4.3.4 Translation Combined with Idioms-14

4.4 Summary-15

Chapter 5 Conclusion-17

References-18

Acknowledgements-19