LINGUOCULTURAL BARRIERS IN AUDIOVISUAL TRANSLATION (BASED ON “GAME OF THRONES” TV SERIES)

Abstract

The article investigates the main types of audiovisual translation and linguocultural barriers that may arise while translating audiovisual materials from English into Russian. The research is aimed to identify the nature and reasons for linguocultural deviations in the Russian translation of a popular American television series “Game of Thrones”.

In order to achieve the research aim, the authors applied an integrated approach to the analysis of linguocultural barriers while translating audiovisual materials from English into Russian. The descriptive and comparative analysis methods made it possible to determine culture-bound units in the television series “Game of Thrones” as well as to explain the nature and reasons for linguocultural discrepancies found in its Russian translation by “LostFilm” and “Fox” translation studios. All the above research methods were used along with a cognitive approach to consider the concept of audiovisual translation as an element of culture.

The practical value of the study is determined by the fact that the identification of the nature and reasons for linguocultural deviations in the Russian translation of the “Game of Thrones” television series can significantly contribute to improving the overall quality of audiovisual translation.

The authors compared traditions of film translation in different countries to establish that the main techniques of audiovisual translation are dubbing, subtitling and voice-over translation. In many European countries, including Kazakhstan, the largest part of film industry is provided in dubbing. However, due to its high cost and attendant difficulties, only limited number of professional translation studios can afford dubbing, while other translation studios can perform voice-over translation or subtitling.

The research findings prove that the successful overcoming of linguocultural barriers in the process of audiovisual translation requires the translator to apply adequate translation methods and strategies for conveying the national identity of the film.