Zanotto, M. (2003). Incidental and intentional learning of word combinations: A study of English/Italian translations. Language Learning & Technology, 7(1), 85-108.
The increasing popularity of regional cinema worldwide has led to a growing demand for accessible content. Subtitling, a vital tool for accessibility, enables viewers to enjoy films in their native language or in a language they are familiar with. Athiran, directed by Adoor Gopalakrishnan, is a critically acclaimed Malayalam film that has garnered attention globally. This study aims to evaluate the English subtitles of Athiran, exploring their quality, accuracy, and cultural relevance.
Enhancing Accessibility: A Study on Athiran English Subtitles athiran english subtitles
The Athiran English subtitles demonstrate a good level of accuracy and technical quality, but there is room for improvement in terms of cultural sensitivity. This study emphasizes the need for subtitlers to balance fidelity to the original dialogue with cultural adaptation, ensuring that regional cinema reaches a broader audience without compromising its cultural essence. The findings of this study can inform best practices in subtitling, ultimately enhancing the accessibility and global reach of regional films like Athiran.
Subtitling is a complex process that involves translating spoken dialogue into a target language while considering cultural, linguistic, and technical aspects. According to Gottfried (1994), good subtitles should be accurate, concise, and culturally sensitive. The subtitling process involves decisions on translation strategies, such as literal translation, adaptation, or omission (Zanotto, 2003). Zanotto, M
Hermosilla, M. (2015). Subtitling analysis framework. Journal of Audiovisual Translation, 2(1), 34-53.
The study's findings can be applied to other regional films and languages, promoting accessibility and cultural exchange. Additionally, the development of subtitling guidelines and best practices can facilitate the creation of high-quality subtitles, further enhancing the global reach of regional cinema. Language Learning & Technology, 7(1), 85-108
The study highlights the importance of culturally sensitive subtitling in enhancing accessibility. While the Athiran subtitles demonstrate a good understanding of the original dialogue, some cultural references and expressions were not adequately conveyed. This oversight may lead to a disconnection from the cultural context, potentially affecting the viewing experience for non-Malayalam speaking audiences.