Abstract: With the continual cultural exchange of China and other countries in addition to the increasing development of Internet, the foregoing elements drive foreign films and TV series to flourish in the Chinese market in recent years. Foreign films and TV series have become an important channel for us to get to know the world, understand the cultural differences and strength the cultural exchange. Thus, the subtitle translation is of essential importance in foreign films and TV series. The subtitle translation can make the target language audience appreciate plays more conveniently meanwhile help them develop a thorough understanding of foreign culture. From the perspective of relevance theory this paper analyzes the subtitle translations of the American sitcom How I Met Your Mother, and translation strategies are offered accordingly.

Key words: relevance theory; subtitle translation; HIMYM

Contents

Abstract

中文摘要

Chapter 1 Introduction-1

Chapter 2 A Brief View of Relevance Theory-2

   2.1 Definition of Relevance Theory-2

   2.2 Principles of Relevance Theory-2

  2.2.1 Optimal Relevance-3

  2.2.2 Ostensive Inferential Communication-4

  2.2.3 Context in Relevance Theory-6

Chapter 3 Study of Subtitle Translation-6

   3.1 Definition of Subtitle Translation-7

   3.2 Characteristics of Subtitle Translation-8

   3.3 Deficiencies of Current Subtitle Translation-9

Chapter 4 Application of Relevance Theory to Subtitle Translation-10

Chapter 5 Analysis of the Subtitle Translation Strategies Used in HIMYM from the Perspective of Relevance Theory-12

    5.1 The Use of Addition-12

    5.2 The Use of Condensation-14

    5.3 The Use of Domestication-16

    5.4 The Use of Foreignization-18

Chapter 6 Conclusion-19

References-21