The Subtitling Translation of Humour in the Film Hi, Mom

Linzhi Shao

doi:10.54097/1abbw413

Authors

Linzhi Shao

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.54097/1abbw413

Keywords:

Subtitling Translation, Humour Translation, Audiovisual Translation, Incongruity, Irony, Cultural Adaptation, Hi, Mom, Linguistic Challenges

Abstract

The subtitling translation of humour presents unique challenges due to linguistic, cultural, and contextual differences between source and target audiences. This study examines the subtitling translation of humour in the Chinese film Hi, Mom, focusing on three types of audiovisual humour: international jokes, jokes reflecting a community’s sense of humour, and language-dependent jokes. By analyzing examples from the film, this research highlights the complexities of translating wordplay, irony, and culturally specific references while maintaining comedic effects. It also explores strategies such as addition, replacement, compensation, and clarification used by subtitlers. Ultimately, this study emphasizes the importance of understanding the original humour, assessing the target audience's interpretation, and rephrasing humour to ensure its effectiveness in translation.

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