CURRENT ISSUES OF FILM TRANSLATION: LINGUOCULTURAL ASPECT (BASED ON “SHERLOCK” TELEVISION SERIES)

Abstract

The article investigates current principles of film translation based on European practice. The research is aimed to identify the linguocultural peculiarities of translating a popular British crime TV series “Sherlock” from English into Russian.

In order to achieve the research aim, the authors applied the descriptive and comparative analysis methods to study culture-bound units in “Sherlock” TV series and its Russian translations (dubbing and subtitles) as well as to determine the appropriate methods of their translation in Russian. All the above research methods were used along with the cognitive approach to study the concept of film translation as a cultural element.

The practical value of the study is determined by the fact that the issues raised in the research paper can significantly contribute to improving overall quality of film translation. The authors compared different types and stages of film translation in different countries to confirm that the largest part of film industry is provided in dubbing, performed by a limited number of specialized translation studios.

In this research, the following professional translation competences were determined: advanced vocabulary, preservation of national characteristics of the original, adequate reproduction of the author’s intention and style, choice of the appropriate translation method. Furthermore, in order to provide a high-quality translation while dubbing or subtitling, translators should know the film language, script writing rules, recording and editing process.

In our modern world, film translation is quite a widespread activity. However, it requires a more detailed study since the perception of foreign films by the target audience will largely depend on the quality of translation.

The research findings have shown the significance of considering both linguistic and extralinguistic context required for comprehension and translation of film discourse. Film translation has been defined as one of the most relevant and difficult issues of modern translation studies.