An Exploration of Chinese-English Translation of Subtitles From the Perspective of Skopos Theory—A Case Study of Empresses in the Palace

Based on Skopos Theory, this paper examines the English versions of the subtitles ofEmpresses in the Palacefrom fidelity, coherence, and skopos rules and discusses the translation strategies and methods adopted by the translators. It is found that translators adopt domestication as the primary strategy while foreignization as the secondary strategy. Translation methods employed are free translation, literal translation, transliteration, omission, and word-by-word translation, which are beneficial for the standardization and development of subtitle translation, as well as for the dissemination and communication of Chinese film and television culture.

Chou, J. (2016). Exploring the ecological ethics of TV drama translation through the example of Empresses in the palace. Contemporary TV, 31(3), 29-30. doi:10.16531/j.cnki.1000-8977.2016.03.014

Ivarsson, J. (1992). Subtitling for the media: A handbook of an art. Simrishamn: Transedit.

Liang, K. (2018). Research on the problems and countermeasures of the overseas transmission of Chinese historical dramas—Taking Empresses in the palace as an example. Media, 20(1), 37-39.

Li, Y. X. (2001). Strategies for translating subtitles. Chinese Translators Journal, 23(4), 38-40.

Liu, X. H., & Zhang, L. (2017). Subtitle translation and cross-cultural communication in film and television—A case study of the American version of Empresses in the palace. View on Publishing, 23(6), 64-66. doi:10.16491/j.cnki.cn45-1216/g2.2017.0229

Luo, A. (2016). Analysis of the overseas dissemination of Empresses in the palace (American version). TV Research, 32(4), 75-77.

Qian, S. C. (2000). Film and television translation—An increasingly important field in the translation industry. Chinese Translators Journal, 22(1), 61-65.

Reiss, K., & Vermeer, H. J. (2014). Towards a general theory of translational action: Skopos Theory explained. London: Routledge.

Zhang, C. B. (1998). An introduction to audiovisual translation. Chinese Translators Journal, 20(2), 49-52.

Zhong, W. H., & Zhong, Y. (1999). The functional translation theory in Germany. Chinese Translators Journal, 21(3), 48-50.