中國古裝劇字幕翻譯策略探討:以《羋月傳》為例

Abstract

在現今串流媒體興盛的時代，世界各地的觀眾能輕易接觸到來自不同文化的影劇內容，然劇集中各具特色的文化意象，向來都是譯者翻譯時的難題。在各式影劇中，中國古裝劇富含中華歷史及文化特色，在亞洲地區十分受歡迎。隨著國際文化交流日益頻繁，我們也越來越常看見古裝劇配上英文翻譯的字幕，將華語內容推向國際。本論文以中國古裝劇《羋月傳》（Legend of Mi Yue）作為分析文本，探討古裝劇的字幕英譯策略。研究者以功能對等、文本類型、和目的論等理論為分析基準，並將Halliday所提出的語域理論（Register Theory）與李運興教授提出的五種文化詞處理模式應用於字幕分析。分析項目分為三大項：「宮中習語英譯分析」、「文化詞英譯分析」，及「古文詩詞、成語比喻英譯分析」。在「宮中習語英譯分析」中，本論文從Halliday所提出的語場（field）、語旨（mode）、語式（tenor）等面向檢視譯文的翻譯品質與譯者的翻譯策略，並適時提出修改建議。在「文化詞英譯分析」及「古文詩詞、成語比喻英譯分析」部分，本論文則參照李運興教授的文化詞處理模式分析古裝劇節目譯者使用的翻譯策略。研究結果顯示，中國古裝劇劇情涉及不同情境、階級地位，以及語言風格，譯者應依各語境調整翻譯方式，才能盡可能傳達劇情及人物的話語特色。而在翻譯中國古裝劇中的文化詞及古文詩詞、成語比喻時，譯者應在傳達文化意義及方便觀眾理解間取得平衡，避免因過度直譯而導致譯文突兀難懂。With streaming media gaining popularity in recent years, it has become easy for audiences around the world to access audiovisual content from different cultures. However, the cultural imagery embedded in dramas has always posed a challenge for translators. Among various genres, Chinese historical dramas, which are rich in Chinese culture and history, have gained great popularity in Asia. With frequent cultural exchanges happening internationally, there has been a growing demand for English subtitles in Chinese historical dramas, enabling this genre to reach a global audience.This thesis aims to analyze subtitle translation strategies in the Chinese historical drama"Legend of Mi Yue." Based on translation theories including functional equivalence, text type, and Skopos theory, this thesis applies Halliday's Register Theory and the translation theories of Professor Li Yunxing(李運興) to subtitle analysis. The analysis encompasses three main aspects: “Translation of Common Terms in Courtly Settings”, “Translation of Cultural Terms”, and “Translation of Classical Chinese, Poetry, and Idioms.” In “Translation of Common Terms in Courtly Settings”, this thesis assesses the translation quality and strategies employed by the translator from the perspectives of “field”, “mode”, and “tenor” proposed by Halliday, while also providing suggestions for modifications when it’s considered necessary. In the sections “Translation of Cultural Terms” and “Translation of Classical Chinese, Poetry, and Idioms”, this thesis employs Professor Li Yunxing's translation strategies to analyze the strategies the translator used during the translation process of the historical drama. The research findings indicate that Chinese historical dramas involve various contexts, social classes, and linguistic styles. Thus, translators should adjust their translation approaches according to each context, ensuring that the plot is effectively conveyed and that the distinctive speech characteristics of characters are portrayed. When translating cultural terms,poetry, or idioms in historical dramas, translators should strike a balance between conveying cultural meanings and ensuring audience comprehension. It is crucial to avoid overly literal translations that may result in awkward and confusing subtitles.