The Cultural Factors in English Film Title Translation英文电影名翻译的文化因素.doc

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1、英文电影名翻译的文化因素The Cultural Factors in English Film Title Translation内容摘要随着世界范围内频繁的文化交流，翻译越来越受到关注。英语电影是我们了解异域文化的窗口，英语电影名称的翻译显得尤为重要。本文研究了不同的英文电影名称翻译原则和策略，说明好的翻译要中和两种不同的文化西方文化和中国文化。译者在翻译的过程中不仅要考虑到原片的内涵还要结合文化因素，这样才能得到更加满意的英语电影名称翻译。关键词: 英语电影名称翻译；文化因素ABSTRACT With the promotion of frequent culture communica

2、tion around the world, translation is drawing more attention. English film is an access to know the exotic culture, and the English title translation is especially important. The paper does researches into different English title translation principles and strategies, and obtain that a good English

3、title translation should combined with the cultural factor. There are two cultures influencing the translation the western culture and the Chinese culture. Translator should consider both the original film content and the cultural factor in the translating process. Iin this way can translator obtain

4、 a successful English film title translation.Key words: English film translation; Cultural factor CONTENTSAcknowledgements.iAbstract in Chinese.iiAbstract in English.iiIntroduction.11. Culture and film.11.1 Cultural differences between Eastern and Western world11.1.1 Geographical differences.21.1.2

5、Difference in historical background. .21.1.3 Difference in religious beliefs.21.1.4 Difference in values.21.2 Film and film title.31.2.1 Film genres3 1.2.2 Naming methods of film title.32. Film title translation.42.1 Four principles of film title translation.42.1.1 Informative value principle.42.1.2

6、 Cultural value principle.42.1.3 Aesthetic value principle.52.1.4 Commercial value principle.52.2 English film title translation Strategies.6 2.2.1 Nativization.62.2.2 Alienation.62.3. Some cases.72.3.1 The classic cases of English film title translation with culture factor . .72.3.2 Different featu

7、res of mainland, Hong Kong and Taiwan translation.103. Conclusion.10Bibliography.11The Cultural Factors in English Film Title TranslationIntroductionIn a world of globalization, Chinese people are receiving a large number of things that covers almost all aspects, such as, society, religion, economy,

8、 technology and culture. Film is one of the important manifestations of culture. The frequent movie culture communication around the world is a way can introduce the exotic culture to people in different countries and regions. But, sometimes, the English film and title, influenced by the literature,

9、 history, philosophy, religion, tradition, custom of western nations cultural system, becomes the communication barriers between Chinese and English culture circles. In the process of translation, translator chooses, regulates, strengthens, and excludes the English cultural elements. And at the same

10、 time, the typical Chinese characteristics and images are added to the translation. As a result of the reconstruction, the general audiences are willing to accept the new images of culture, and understand it better.Film title undertakes the first impression of the whole work. As soon as people see t

11、he film title, they will associate something familiar in their mind and understand the content better before seeing the film. For example, if Chinese story梁山伯与祝英台was translated into Romeo and Juliet of China, western people are able to understand its content and profound influence quickly. On the co

12、ntrary, The Butterfly Lovers or LiangShanbo and ZhuYingtai would confuse the western audience. The title阿甘正传maybe is one of the reasons why Forrest Gump are so popular in China. The true story of Ah Q(阿Q正传) is the work of Lu Xun who was a great thinker in China. With the impression of Chinese cultur

13、e, people will want to know who he is in this film. At present, there are many papers talking about translation of literary works or scientific literature, but few of them are concerned with the translation of films, let alone film titles. The paper studies the translation process of film titles fro

14、m the point view of culture, and it analyses some translating strategies and principles of English film title. At last, the paper sets several film title translation examples to illustrate that translation should combine with cultural background.1. Culture and film1.1 Cultural difference between Eas

15、tern and Western worldLanguage is not only a carrier of culture but an important part of culture. Each nation has own cultural information. On one hand, it represents a nations historical and cultural background. On the other hand, it also includes peoples outlook on life, lifestyles and modes of th

16、inking and so on. The translation is a conversion for words and languages which date from different culture background, social environment and mode of thinking. In a word, any translations couldnt exist alone without culture, and the assent of translation is cultural communication.Its more important

17、 to learn two kinds of culture than to command two kinds of languages for a really successful translator in that words will lost their meanings if they left the culture. Therefore, when we translate something, we must pay attention to difference between Chinese and western culture and also choose so

18、me effective ways.1.1.1 Geographical differencesThere exist evident difference between climate and geographical environment under Chinese and western. We can find them everywhere. For example, we often say that: “A spring river flows East”, however, in western countries, they dont think so. Because

19、their river flows from southeast to northwest into sea. Take another example, American often says that: “from sea to sea” to express the whole country because the influence of geographical environment. (王国桥，2008；42) But we dont think so.1.1.2 Differences in historical backgroundEvery people know tha

20、t China is famous historical country and we have 5000 cultural basis. During long history procession, we have contributed for human beings too much. For example, “four great inventions”. Meanwhile, we had some sayings, such as: “know themselves, know yourself”, while in western countries, they are e

21、xpressed in other ways. For example, they like to use: “waterloo” standing for failure because Napoleon had poisoned here.1.1.3 Difference in religious beliefsThere exists lots of unique religious culture. Christianity is the main religion in Britain and America. When westerners feel surprised, they

22、 always like to say “Jesus”, however, in the eyes of Muslims and Jews, “seven day” is their religion. They think “seven day” is such place in which God and angels live happily. In China, Chinese has a lot of proverbs to express religion. Such as, “Oliver boundless” is connected with Buddha and so on

23、.1.1.4 Difference in valuesEvery country has its emotion of language. However, there exists different ways to express so that they have own value for the same thing. The value of westerners is proud of individualist. Such as: “Dont put your finger in the pie” is to say that you just do your things r

24、ather than disturbing others. Westerners are cherish time. Some good sayings prove this point, for example, “Time is money” can convey their attitude. The value of Chinese has been keen on Collectivism. Chinese like to work together and think the power of group is much stronger. Chinese often said:

25、“many hands make light” “a fence of three piles, heads are better”. All of them can stand for the value trend of Chinese. Chinese also think high of time. However, The concept of Time is inferior to westerners.We can take “Dog” as example between two countries. Many of them like to keep dog as a mem

26、ber of their family so that the word of “dog” always conveys a good symbol. For example, “every dog has its dog” means “人人都有得意日”in Chinese. “Lucky dog ”means “你是个幸运儿”and so on. On the contract, Chinese think a bad symbol of “Dog”, Such as, “狗娘养的” “狗东西” and so on.1.2 Film and film title1.2.1 Film gen

27、resFilm genres are categories, classifications or groups of films that have similar, familiar or instantly-recognizable patterns, techniques or conventions that include one or more of the following: setting, contents, themes, plot, motifs, styles, structures, situations, characters (or characterizat

28、ions), and stars. (蔡圣勤，2003:35)In this paper, movies are divided into six main categories: western movie, comedy, drama movie, horror movie & the suspense thriller, science fiction and war fiction.1.2.2 Naming methods of film title Before film arts communication, film title one has appeared. It is a

29、 harbinger, which has promotion effect. A good title translation can enrich films connotation, and promote the cross-cultural communication. In order to have a better understanding of English movie title, we need to know English movie title sources. Generally speaking, English movies are always name

30、d by the background，theme，plot，main character, or thread of movie.Naming by background. The background that plays a very important part in characterization has several elements, such as time, place and environment in which the story happens. Many film titles belongs to this sort, Casablanca卡萨布兰卡,Tit

31、anic泰坦尼克,Chicago芝加哥，Roman Holiday罗马假日，Pearl Harbor珍珠港,Halloween万圣节.Naming by theme. The title of the film is a mean to outstand the theme lying behind the story. Film title named by theme can convey subjective message, establish the entire emotional mood，and attract the spectacles. Such as, Serendip

32、ity缘分天注定, Brief Encounter相见恨晚, Ghost人鬼情未了, Brave Heart勇敢者的心.Naming by main character(s). There is always one leading role in a film, and in some cases are not only one. He or she usually is the hero of the film. Here we can see, Elizabeth伊莉莎白女王, Jane Eyre简爱, Romeo and Julie t罗密欧与朱丽叶, Harry potter哈利波

33、特, ZhouEnlai 周恩来.Naming by plot. There is no doubt that plot is the principal factor to name a film. A lot of films are named by it. Dances with Wolves与狼共舞，Around the World in 80 Days环游地球八十天,Face Off变脸, Back to the Future回到未来，Shakespeare in Love恋爱中的莎士比亚, Interview with a Vampire夜访吸血鬼.2. Film title t

34、ranslation2.1 Four principles of film title translationThe conformity of film Translation and other literary work translation is using figurative language, word to express the feeling of the superb thinking art. But the film translation has the particularity, which makes it differ from other transla

35、tion that is, the film translation should be visible, hearable and comprehensible by audience. Highlighting film content, conveying the theme information, establishing the whole emotional tone, providing aesthetic pleasure and increasing box office are the ultimate goals of film titles. Title transl

36、ation of cross-cultural communication process in the film often represented the four most basic translating principles and value tendencies.2.1.1 Informative value principlesTitle translation should pass the content-related information faithfully, and then achieves the identity between translate tit

37、le and original work, which is the so-called informative value principle. Inaccurate translation is taboo of film title translation. In Taiwan, Sound of Music once translated as仙乐飘飘何处闻which can simply applied to all types of musical pieces. Whats more, aDevil wave once swept Taiwan, as long as the f

38、ilm starring Arnold Schwarzenegger , all translated as 魔鬼XX by ignoring their contents. Such as: Terminator (Taiwan translation:魔鬼终结者, Mainland:终结者), Kindergarten Cop (Taiwan translation:魔鬼孩子王, Mainland:幼稚园特警), Eraser (Taiwan translation:魔鬼毁灭者, Hong Kong translation:蒸发密令), Total Recall (Taiwan trans

39、lation:魔鬼总动员, Mainland: 全面回忆,Hong Kong translation:宇宙威龙). It is difficult for audience to understand and sometimes causes wrong psychological expectations. 2.1.2 Cultural valueTranslation is not merely linguistic conversion process; it is the cultural exchange of the social phenomenon as well.For th

40、e social development, geography, climate, history, political, economic, values, customs, ethics, and something else are significantly different between the West and the East, reflecting cultural values in the title translation, promoting cultural exchange and understanding is very important tasks. F

41、or example: First Wives Club which had been translated as大老婆俱乐部, but in English, “first wife” refers to the woman who a man married with at the first time. And it has no any associations with the “concubine” in Chinese culture.This witty comedy is about how a group of abandoned women avenged their s

42、elf upon their ungrateful ex-husbands. The other translation 发妻俱乐部would be more accurate for its content. Another example: one of the United States best 100 classical films TheThird Manwas initially translated to第三者, leading many Chinese audience always to mistake it as a film of marriage ethics . I

43、n fact, “the third man refers to the third witnesses of car accident, and according to the film plot the translation version changed into 第三个人or黑狱亡魂 is more reasonable. In a word, an accurate film title translation can reflect the original idea of its title and theme vividly .One way to access this

44、target is to combine typical national cultural characteristics with translation, making it embodied traditional culture and charm. 2.1.3 Aesthetic value principleFilm title translation aims at getting rid of original word constraints, and grasps its aesthetic ideas deeply. And then, it also conveys

45、the original film image, emotion, artistic beauty of language through their own language, at the same time, the audience can feel the aesthetic experience.Refined words make titles convey its ideas vividly. In order to achieving the aesthetic value, refining every single word is essential. By compar

46、ing the following three groups of English title translations, we can easily realize the second Chinese translation can convey Chinese culture better. Ex1: You Cans Take It with You你无法带走；浮生若梦. Ex2：A Man from Snowy River来自雪河的人；雪河男子汉. Ex3：Ordinary People普通人；凡夫俗子.Refined words make title sounds melodiously. Translators making use of rhythm, tone, cause title is read tunefully, smoothly and beautifu