Abstract: The paper introduces the relevance theory put forward by Sperber and Wilson to guide the practice of subtitle translation. And the paper first reviews the concepts and current situation of subtitle translation and the core idea of relevance theory, launching a case study of The Vampire Diaries, analyzing examples by some translation strategies in order to justify the feasibility and applicability of relevance theory in subtitle translation. Thus, it concludes that relevance theory can guide the practice of subtitle translation. And the paper finds that subtitle translation plays an important role for the target audience to watch foreign films or TV plays. Subtitle translation is a process of pursuing optimal relevance. 

Key words: subtitle translation; relevance theory; The Vampire Diaries; translation strategies

Contents

Abstract

中文摘要

1. Introduction-1

2. Literature Review-3

  2.1 A Brief Introduction to Subtitles-3

  2.2 A Brief Introduction to Relevance Theory-5

3. The Application of Relevance Theory in Subtitle Translation-7

  3.1 The Feasibility of Relevance Theory to Subtitle Translation-7

  3.2 Cognitive Environment in Subtitle Translation-8

  3.3 Optimal Relevance in Subtitle Translation-9

4. Strategies of Subtitle Translation Based on RT:A Case Study of The Vampire Diaries-11

  4.1 Addition-11

  4.2 Omission-13

  4.3 Condensation-14

  4.4 Domestication-15

  4.5 Explicitation-18

  4.6 Colloquialization-21

5. Conclusion-22

References-23