Achieving Equivalence in Cinematic Translation

The translation of film and television texts presents a unique set of challenges for translators. While the goal of any translation is to convey the meaning of the source text as accurately as possible, the specific demands of cinematic translation often require additional considerations. This study explores the complex process of adapting and stylistically transforming text in the context of cinematic translation. By examining the strategies and techniques employed to bridge cultural, linguistic, and stylistic gaps between the source and target languages, this research aims to shed light on the intricacies of this specialized field. The study mainly explores the processes of textual adaptation and stylization in cinematic translation, using The Pirates of the Caribbean film series as a case study. The research examines how translators adapt dialogue and narrative elements to align with the target audience’s cultural, linguistic, and stylistic norms while preserving the unique tone and character of the original text. Particular attention is paid to the challenges posed by the film’s use of archaic language, nautical terminology, humour, and idiomatic expressions, which require creative solutions to maintain the narrative’s coherence and emotional impact. The study employs a comparative analysis of the source text and its translated versions, focusing on key strategies like localization, cultural substitution, and stylistic reconfiguration. Findings reveal that successful cinematic translation necessitates a balance between fidelity to the source material and adaptability to the target culture, with textual adaptation and stylization playing a critical role in preserving the immersive quality of the cinematic experience. This research contributes to the field of audiovisual translation by highlighting the complex interplay between linguistic accuracy, cultural sensitivity, and artistic creativity in the adaptation of texts for international audiences.