Rationale
English is the most widely spoken and understood language globally, serving as a crucial tool for globalization.
The significance of the English language as a global lingua franca is undeniable in today's world Its dominance is evident, with English serving as a mother tongue in some countries and a second language in educational systems elsewhere Furthermore, English is integral to various academic disciplines and scientific research at universities and institutions, making it essential for individuals aiming to excel in their scientific careers.
English is the global language of communication, bridging diverse cultures and facilitating interaction through internet technology It plays a crucial role in various sectors, including economy, commerce, medicine, aviation, and email Additionally, English is essential in tourism and travel, motivating individuals to learn the language for better opportunities and connections worldwide.
English serves as the global language for various domains, including socio-economic, cultural, political issues, and entertainment, particularly in the movie industry Movies not only reflect societal values but also influence them, encompassing individual films, the art of filmmaking, and the broader motion picture industry They are created through photographic recordings or animation techniques, showcasing the power of visual storytelling As a significant art form and a popular entertainment medium, films play a crucial role in educating and shaping public opinion The universal appeal of cinema is enhanced through dubbing and subtitles, making films accessible worldwide However, challenges arise in translating English to Vietnamese due to structural and cultural differences, leading to complexities in translating movie titles and dialogues.
The cultural elements embedded in movie titles captivate my interest, leading me to focus my graduation paper on "A Study on the Translation of Movie Titles from English into Vietnamese." This research aims to explore the similarities and differences between the source and target languages in the context of movie title translation.
Aims of the study
For the purposes of demonstrating the techniques of movie title translation, my study focuses on:
- Introducing theoretical background of movie translation, movie titles and techniques of movie title translation
- Giving clear and detailed techniques of translating movie titles so as to find out the effective ways in translation
- Indicating the findings and implication, and proposing some suggestions
- Providing some movie titles to discuss.
Scope of the study
Translation is a vast field of study, but due to time and knowledge constraints, not all aspects can be addressed This article focuses specifically on the translation of movie titles from English to Vietnamese, highlighting and analyzing the techniques used in this process.
Methods of the study
In order to fulfill the study, the following methods are fully employed:
The internet serves as a vast resource for information and images, making it easy to access all data relevant to my graduation paper topic.
Secondly, data collection from related books and documents also plays an important part in the research process
Thirdly, discussion with my supervisor and friends works effectively in the study completion
At last, contrast and comprision method is also put into pracrice to finish this paper graduation.
Design of the study
My graduation paper consists of three main parts:
• Part I: Introduction, which indicates the rationale, the aims, the scope, the methods and the design of the study
• Part II: Development mentions the main content of the study and it is further divided into three chapters as below:
› Chapter I: Theoretical background includes the definitions and types of translation
› Chapter II: Translation of English- Vietnamese movie titles, deals with the following matters: The importance, steps, functions of movie title translation
› Chapter III: Techniques and principles of movie title translation
› Chapter IV: The findings and discussions
• Part III: Conclusion gives a brief summary of the study and suggestion for further study.
THEORETICAL BACKGROUND
Language of movie titles
A form of entertainment that enacts a story by sound and a sequence of images giving the illusion of continous movement
(wordnetweb.princeton.edu/perl/webwn)
Films consist of a sequence of individual images known as frames When these frames are displayed quickly one after the other, they create the illusion of motion for the viewer This seamless experience is made possible by a phenomenon called persistence of vision, which prevents the audience from perceiving the flickering between the frames.
Movies (also referred to as motion pictures) are produced by recording photogaphic images with cameras, or by creating images using animation techniques or visual effects (wikipedia, the free encyclopedia)
A sequence of photographs projected onto a screen with sufficient rapidty as to create the illusion of motion and continuity
A movie that is made to be shown on television scene, shot- a consecutive series of pictures that constitues a unit of action in a film
In the United States, the term "movie" is commonly used to refer to films, while in Europe, "cinema" is the preferred term Other popular phrases associated with the film industry include "the big screen," "the silver screen," and simply "the movies."
Movie title is the name of a movie
Certain films leave a lasting impact due to their intense violence, engaging viewers even after the credits roll By harnessing dark themes and tapping into humanity's most primal instincts, these movies captivate our attention and provoke deep reflection.
For example: “Saving private Ryan” is translated into “Giải cứu binh nhì Ryan”
Science fiction primarily involves rational exploration of alternative realities, often set in environments that diverge from established facts While these settings may challenge known reality, the genre typically depends on a significant suspension of disbelief, supported by plausible scientific explanations for its fictional components.
Example: “Lord of the Rings” is translated into “Chúa tể của những chiếc nhẫn”
Romantic movies depicting passionate love between men and women have long been cherished in our cultural heritage, drawing inspiration from classic tales such as Lancelot and Guinevere, Heloise and Abelard, and Romeo and Juliet These enduring stories symbolize both physical passion and spiritual devotion, yet their literary roots often lie in tragedy, revealing profound emotional depth beneath the surface of love.
An animated movie is a film created through hand-drawn techniques or computer-generated imagery that mimics a hand-drawn style, designed for cinema, television, or computer screens These films typically feature narratives or plots, regardless of their length It's important to note that while the terms "animation" and "animated movie" are related, they do not encompass all forms of animation Additionally, while cartoons employ various animation techniques, they primarily belong to the traditional animation category.
For example: “Alice in wonderland” is translated into “Alice lạc vào xứ sở thần kì”
The action movie genre primarily conveys its narrative through physical action rather than dialogue, with the hero often undertaking individual efforts Although action has been a component of cinema for decades, the distinct "Action movie" genre began to emerge in the 1970s, closely associated with thriller and adventure films Despite being a consistent revenue source for studios, action films typically receive limited critical acclaim Traditionally targeting male audiences aged from early teens to mid-30s, the genre saw a shift in the 1990s and 2000s as filmmakers introduced strong female heroines, reflecting changing societal norms and celebrating the powerful female archetype.
For example: “The Matrix” is translated into “Ma trận”
Historical movies are a film genre that revolves around narratives inspired by significant historical events and notable figures These films may strive for accuracy in depicting real events or biographies, relying on available historical research Alternatively, some historical movies take a more creative approach, presenting fictionalized stories based on actual individuals and their actions.
"Braveheart," inspired by the 13th-century knight William Wallace's struggle for Scotland's independence, and "Saving Private Ryan," a dramatized account of the search for a paratrooper from the US 101st Airborne Division during World War II, both highlight significant historical conflicts and the heroism of individuals in times of war.
For example: “Braveheart” is translated into “Trái tim dũng cảm”
The comedy movie genre primarily focuses on humor and often concludes with a happy ending, although black comedies may differ As one of the oldest film genres, early silent films were predominantly comedies Unlike other genres, comedy films place significant emphasis on individual stars, with many stand-up comedians successfully transitioning to the film industry While many comedies aim solely to entertain, some also incorporate political or social commentary.
For example: “Man of the year” is translated into “Quý ông của năm”
Mystery movies, a sub-genre of crime films, center around detectives, private investigators, or amateur sleuths solving intricate crimes through clues and deduction They typically follow one of two narrative structures: Closed (or Whodunit) mysteries, which keep the perpetrator's identity hidden until the climax, creating suspense as the audience tries to guess the culprit, and Open mysteries, where the criminal is revealed early on, allowing viewers to engage with the unraveling of the "perfect crime" as the story unfolds.
For example: “Angry men” is translated into “Người đàn ông giận dữ”
Documentary film is a broad category of visual expressions that is based on the attempt, in one fashion or another, to “documentary” reality Although
The term "documentary film" originally described movies captured on film stock, but it has since evolved to encompass video and digital productions, including television series In this context, documentaries aim to identify and explore various subjects through factual storytelling.
“filmmaking practice, a cinematic tradition, and mode of audience reception” that is continually evolving and is without clear boundaries For example: “Home” is translated into “Quê nhà”
A drama film is a genre focused on the deep development of realistic characters facing emotional challenges It often explores serious themes such as alcoholism, drug addiction, racial prejudice, religious intolerance, poverty, crime, and corruption, placing characters in conflict with themselves, others, society, and even nature.
Drama films emphasize the emotional and narrative depth of their central themes, distinguishing them from action films that prioritize fast-paced action and physical conflict with less focus on character development Notable examples of acclaimed drama films include "The Godfather" and "As Good as It Gets," showcasing the genre's ability to explore complex human experiences.
Fantasy films are characterized by their imaginative themes, often featuring magic, supernatural occurrences, mythical creatures, and extraordinary worlds While this genre is distinct from science fiction and horror, there are instances where these genres intersect.
For example: “Star Wars” is translated into “Chiến tranh giữa các vì sao”
Translation
Translation is a fundamental linguistic operation that enhances students' language proficiency by converting texts from one language to another It serves as a crucial means of communication among people who speak different languages This essential skill has garnered significant interest from linguists and translation theorists, leading to various definitions and interpretations of translation.
Translation is a kind of activity, which inevitably involves at least two languages and two cultural traditions (Toury, 1978: p200)
Translation involves interpreting the meaning of a text and creating an equivalent version in another language The original text is referred to as the source text, while the language into which it is translated is known as the target language The final output is often called the target text.
Translation involves creating the most natural equivalent in the target language of the source language message, prioritizing meaning first and style second, as stated by E A Nida (1959).
Translation is made possible by an equivelent of thought that lies behind its different verbal expressions (Savory, 1968)
Translation involves interpreting the meaning of a source text in one language and creating an equivalent target text in another language that conveys the same message, as defined by E.A Nida in 1959.
For English learners, translation encompasses various approaches, reflecting diverse understandings of its definition This variability leads to the classification of translation into different perspectives The following outlines the most commonly recognized types of translation.
Word-for-word translation is a common practice among English learners as they develop their translation skills This method maintains the original word order of the source language while translating each word individually, using its most common meaning without considering the surrounding context.
Word-for-word translation can lead to nonsensical results, particularly when dealing with idioms However, translators may employ this method to grasp the structure of the source language and to create a preliminary framework for translating challenging texts.
For example: “Red eye” is translated into “Mắt đỏ”
Literal translation is a comprehensive approach where each word in the source language is matched with a corresponding word in the target language, even if their primary meanings vary This method adheres closely to the grammatical and lexical structures of the original text.
Literal translation is considered as the basic translation step, both in communicative and semantic translation
For example: “Brave heart” is translated into “Trái tim dũng cảm”
A faithful translation demands precise adherence to the meaning and grammatical structure of the original text However, it is also possible to convey the source language's message into the target language with greater flexibility, focusing on the contextual meaning.
According to Newmark (1892), semantic translation focuses on accurately conveying the author's contextual meaning while adhering to the syntactic and semantic rules of the target language This approach is more flexible than a faithful translation, allowing for creative exceptions and enabling the translator to exercise intuitive judgment in relation to the original text.
Free translation prioritizes the meaning of the source text over its linguistic structure, often resulting in paraphrased content While this approach can enhance clarity and relatability, it may also lead to a loss of the original text's nuances, making it too casual for some readers.
(Dung Vu, 2004, http://www.talawas.org)
Idiomatic translation is concerned with communcating the meaning of the source text using the natural grammatical and lexical items of the target language
Idiomatic translation is used for colloquilism and idioms whose literalism of the origin, uses the translation of colloquilism and idioms
For example: “As good as it gets” is translated into “Không thể tốt hơn”
Communicative translation enables translators to effectively convey the source language in a clear and understandable manner for the target audience However, as Peter Newmark (1982) emphasizes, it is essential for translators to maintain and respect the original form of the source text, as it serves as the foundational material for their work.
According to Dung Vu (2004), adaptation is a unique form of translation that prioritizes the expression of original ideas in a new language rather than strict fidelity to the source material This creative process allows for significant freedom in both content and form, making adaptation one of the most liberated forms of translation.
For example: “Perfect storm” film is translated into “Cơn bão kinh hoàng”
1.2.3 The importance of movie title translation
The movie industry is thriving like never before, with new releases hitting the screens daily, making it one of the most exciting and profitable forms of entertainment globally Hollywood, California, often referred to as "the movie capital of the world," is the primary hub for filming and releasing these films, predominantly in English This article focuses on English-language movies, highlighting the significance of Hollywood's influence on global cinema When English films reach non-English speaking audiences, translation becomes essential to bridge cultural and language gaps, enabling broader understanding and appreciation of the content.
Before a movie is released to audiences, it typically undergoes one of three translation methods: dubbing, subtitling, or voice-over The necessity for translation varies by country; for instance, English-speaking countries like the United States and the United Kingdom, which import few films, often prefer subtitling over dubbing In the UK, translation is less of a concern due to the predominance of American films that require no translation Conversely, countries with a high influx of imported films, such as the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, Denmark, and Greece, have a significant and ongoing demand for translation services Consequently, as the volume of imported films increases, so does the need for effective translation, despite the challenges posed by differences between source and target languages.
CHARACTERISTICS OF ENGLISH MOVIE TITLES
Brief and concise
English movie titles are typically brief and direct, often consisting of one to three words that include key lexical terms These titles primarily feature nouns and uncountable nouns, exemplified by films like *The Piano*, *The Lion King*, and *The Mummy* Additionally, various formations such as compound words and abbreviations are common, as seen in titles like *Flightplan*, *Batman*, and *JFK*.
The sentences in the article are primarily simple in structure, with a majority being declarative in both affirmative and negative forms, such as "Life is beautiful," "Something's gotta give," and "The World is not enough." Additionally, there are imperative sentences like "Kill Bill" and "Catch me if you can."
English movie titles have simple structure with a subject and a predicate (as in I am Sam, Ten things I hate about you, One Flew Over the Cukoo‟s Nest…)
Despite their briefness, they are expensive and suggestive words conveying a lot of information, conveying the movie plot and theme
Pictures used in the research are official posters of films
The translated titles in Vietnamese are collected from reliable resources movies which have been shown in cinemas and TV, introduced on the media and accepted widely.
Descriptive
Peter Newmark divides titles into two categories: descriptive and allusive Desciptive titles “describe the topic of the text” directly while allusive titles
A descriptive title effectively conveys the essence of a story, giving the audience a clear understanding of the plot For instance, "Catch Me If You Can" illustrates the thrilling chase between a young con artist and an FBI agent In contrast, an allusive title like "Closer" does not reveal the main storyline but resonates with the themes of the narrative This film intricately explores passion, drama, love, and abandonment among two couples, further complicated by unexpected connections between them (summarized by the Internet Movie Database).
English movie titles tend to be more descriptive and straightforward, while Vietnamese titles often utilize allusions that reflect cultural nuances, as seen in examples like "Thời xa vắng" and "Cánh đồng hoang." The linguistic differences between English and Vietnamese make it challenging for translators to maintain this allusive quality in translations Consequently, translators must choose between preserving the original title's essence or creating a new, more descriptive title that conveys the intended meaning.
Containing many proper names
In Vietnamese cinema, movie titles typically feature famous individuals or well-known characters from literature, as seen in films like “Nguyễn Ái Quốc ở Hồng Kông” and “Chị Dậu.” In contrast, English films often include ordinary names in their titles, such as "Evelyn," "Mr & Mrs Smith," and "Bridget Jones' Diary." These titles represent characters within the films, encouraging audiences to watch the movies to discover their stories.
English movie titles often include proper names of settings that indicate where the story takes place, such as "Pearl Harbor," "Titanic," and "Casablanca." These locations play a crucial role in the narrative, significantly influencing the plot and character development Unlike character names, these settings resonate with a broader audience Similarly, Vietnamese film titles, like "Hà Nội mùa chim làm tổ," "Ngã ba Đồng Lộc," and "Giải phóng Sài Gòn," exhibit this characteristic by highlighting important locations within their narratives.
PRINCIPLES AND TECHNIQUES OF ENGLISH
Principles of English movie translation
Faithfulness to context is a fundamental principle in title translation, often referred to as "the invisible in translation" by Dr Abdolmehdi Riazi from Shiraz University In screen translation, context includes essential movie details, highlighting the need for translators to grasp both source and target languages as well as the subject matter However, the significance of context in screen translation is now recognized as crucial, serving as a powerful tool for creating more impactful Vietnamese titles.
A film's title should directly or indirectly reflect its content, including elements such as the plot, main characters, or themes, as noted by David Stensaltz in 2001 For instance, the thriller "Red Eye," featuring Rachel McAdams and Cillian Murphy, exemplifies this principle The Vietnamese translation, "Mắt đỏ," may initially confuse audiences, but understanding the English title reveals its connection to the film's storyline "Red eye" refers to overnight flights, which align with the film's setting, where fatigue is symbolized by red eyes This faithful translation demonstrates the importance of respecting the original title and the movie's narrative An effective title, like "Red Eye," captures both the essence of the film and its context.
When translating a movie title, it is crucial to consider both the context and the genre The translated title should effectively reflect the film's genre; for example, a comedy title should be humorous and engaging to spark interest and laughter, while a romance title should evoke a gentle and romantic feel In contrast, a horror film's title must convey a sense of fear, threat, or haunting to resonate with its audience.
Sample 1: “Chicken-run” is the name of an animated movie telling the humorous story of a band of chickens who seek escape from their coop by learning how to fly before their owners make them all into chicken pot pies The Vietnamese name as “Phi đội gà bay” is an intriguing one, making a good match with the genre of animated comedy as well as the content If it is translated as defined in the dictionary “sân nuôi gà vịt” (an enclosed yard for keeping poultry), then it is not a successful movie title
Sample 2: “Starsky and Hutch” – a comedy, crime action movie about two detectives named Starsky- the most dedicated undercover and Hutch- a good cop with hardzadous laidback personality and desire for a quick buck is known in Vietnamese under “Cớm chìm, cớm nổi” The title itself can suggest several characteristics about the genres with promising fun, laughter, action…to viewers by the use of slang “cớm” and a pair of impressive antonymous words “chìm” and “nổi”
"The Ring," a 2002 suspense/horror thriller, follows a cynical journalist investigating the mysterious death of her niece, who died of fright exactly one week after watching a chilling videotape Her journey takes her to the Pacific Northwest, where she uncovers the tape's origins and its connection to a series of suicides at a horse ranch The title refers to the ominous circle seen by the victims and the haunting phone ring they hear before their demise.
“Vòng tròn” or “Tiếng chuông”, the title is unimpressive, monotonous and boring Adding the word “tử thần”, “Vòng tròn tử thần” is more mysterious and threatening, sounding a horror movie
Those examples may give us a first grasp of the genre‟s impact on title translation
Translation, as described by Even-Zohar, involves acculturation and negotiation between cultures, highlighting its culturally oriented nature The cultural disparities between Vietnamese and English result in unique characteristics of English movie titles, and a lack of cultural awareness and knowledge can lead to mistranslation.
“American Beauty,” a 1999 drama, follows Lester Burnham, a disillusioned suburbanite who rebels against his unfulfilling job, demanding wife, and distant daughter as he faces middle age His journey unfolds into a darkly comedic narrative, enriched by a talented supporting cast and an abundance of roses When translating the term "beauty," the choice between "Vẻ đẹp" and "Người đẹp" is crucial; the latter is inappropriate as "American beauty" refers to a specific type of rose with large, long-stemmed purplish-red flowers, as defined by the American Heritage Dictionary Online.
Thus, the former one “Vẻ đẹp” matches in terms of cultural information The title “Vẻ đẹp Mỹ” is a good translation
The film "Amadeus" tells the remarkable story of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, whose name is often overlooked by those unfamiliar with his legacy While the title can remain untranslated as "Amadeus," a knowledgeable translator may choose to adapt it to "Mozart," ensuring the focus is on the well-known composer rather than an obscure reference.
Cultural awareness is crucial, as demonstrated by the translation of "Murder at 1600," where the number 1600 may confuse those unfamiliar with its reference to the White House's address (1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, Washington, DC).
The film revolves around a homicide investigation set in the White House The translation "án mạng lúc 4 giờ" is inaccurate and reflects a lack of cultural awareness; a more appropriate translation would be "Án mạng tại Nhà Trắng."
3.1.4 Combination of commercial and aesthetic effects
Translated movie titles should effectively blend commercial appeal with aesthetic value A concise title is vital for marketing, serving as a key element in attracting viewers Titles play a significant role in fulfilling commercial and advertising functions, capturing the attention of potential moviegoers.
Translators play a crucial role in creating captivating movie titles that attract viewers and maximize profits Their task is to infuse titles with passion, thrill, and mystery to engage audiences effectively However, this creative process can sometimes lead to titles that stray too far from the original, failing to represent the film accurately It is essential for translators to balance creativity with fidelity to the source material, ensuring that the title resonates aesthetically while maintaining its commercial appeal A well-crafted title embodies both commercial success and artistic integrity, making it vital for the film's overall impact.
“Just like heaven” (Hồn yêu)
“Fever pitch” (Cơn sốt tình yêu)
“Wimbledon” (Mắc lưới tình yêu)
“Just married” (Yêu là cưới)
“Elizabeth town” (Thị trấn tình yêu)
“Head over heels” (Bắt được tình yêu)
“Win a date with Tad Hamilton” (Thế mới là yêu)
Translated movie titles often blend commercial appeal with aesthetic charm, resonating with audiences while remaining true to the film's plot While these titles may seem unrelated to their originals, they effectively capture the essence of the movie Notably, Vietnamese words for "love," such as "yêu" and "tình yêu," frequently appear in translations, enhancing their allure and familiarity As David Steinsaltz notes, "love" and "death" are considered "magic words" in title translations, as they attract viewers' attention Audiences are more likely to be drawn to titles like “Mắc lưới tình yêu” over “Giải vô địch quần vợt” or “Yêu là cưới” instead of “Mới cưới,” reflecting a universal desire for love-related themes The strategic use of these compelling terms exemplifies the art of translation focused on commercial success, all while staying aligned with the movie's content.
It is interesting to discover that not only Vietnamese movie translator but also foreign ones are clearly fixated on the magic word “love”
In addition to the four key characteristics, a vital factor for successful translation is its widespread acceptance, as evidenced by titles like "Rain Man" and "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest," which will be explored further in the following section.
Techniques of movie title translation
This article explores the translation of English movie titles into Vietnamese, highlighting five key techniques: preserving the original title, literal translation, explication, adaptation, and creating a new title These techniques are categorized into two main types: respecting the original and removing it Literal translation and adaptation are commonly used in general translation, while the other three techniques are specific to movie titles The effectiveness of these methods is rooted in the principle that the new title must relate to the story Translators typically leave titles untranslated until the entire film is completed, allowing for more accurate and engaging titles In contrast, title translators, such as newspaper columnists, often produce less coherent titles by translating in isolation, sometimes resulting in amusing or nonsensical outcomes Examples illustrate these points effectively.
Sample 1: “Bring up Baby”is comedy in which heiress Susan is determined to catch a stuffy zoologist and uses her pet leopard, Baby, to help get his attention With such plot, it is obvious that “baby” does not refer to any young child but the name of a leopard Therefore, the translated version
The article "Ranking of the 100 Best Movies According to AFI" by Thanh Ha, published on Saigonnet on January 4, 2006, inaccurately translates "Nuôi con," which bears no relevance to the film's title This translation error stems from a lack of understanding of the movie's plot.
Sample 2: “Ocean‟s Eleven” is a film about a robber named Ocean has just released from the prison and his ten companies (a gang of eleven ones) with the heist of three Las Vegas Casinos The version of VTV “11 tên cướp thế kỉ” sounds reasonable and understandable compared to the version “Đại dương thứ 11” made by My Dung in “Điểm tin điện ảnh” on Can Tho Newspaper Online.
To effectively select the best translation, translators must have a thorough understanding of the story, whether by watching it in full or reading the plot summary Additionally, this understanding should be paired with one of the appropriate translation techniques.
The simplest method for translating a film title is often to leave it untranslated, particularly when the title consists of proper nouns like character names or familiar locations This approach is effective as it requires no additional explanation for most audiences.
The titles remain unchanged, preserving their English pronunciation, which appeals to enthusiasts of the language However, they represent only a small percentage in Vietnam, indicating the need for clarity in the remaining content This approach is also utilized in various other countries.
Samples in movie title translation in China:
No The original The translated The back- translated
1 Chicago Zhi jie ge Chicago
2 Casablanca Ka sa bu lan ka Casablanca
3 Gandhi Gan di zhuan Gandhi
Source: http://yingyu.jituo.net/english/113/18786.html
In literal translation, the source-language constructions are converted to their nearest target-language equivelents (Bui Tien Bao & Dang Xuan Thu
Literal translation, as defined by the Wikipedia dictionary, involves translating text from one language to another by converting each word independently, rather than translating the entire phrase This method aims to preserve both the form and content of the original title, making it a common and straightforward approach in title translation Often referred to as word-for-word translation, it contrasts with thought-for-thought translation, emphasizing fidelity to the original text Most English movie titles consist of nouns and noun phrases, making literal translation suitable for many non-idiomatic descriptive titles and some allusive ones, provided the translations align with the content and sound natural in Vietnamese However, it is crucial to recognize that literal translation is not universally applicable, as it may overlook idiomatic expressions.
Choosing aesthetically pleasing titles that resonate with the audience involves more than just translating nouns and noun phrases into their Vietnamese equivalents It requires a thoughtful selection of words that evoke an emotional response and enhance the overall appeal of the content.
Sample 1: “Jurassic Park”: Công viên kỉ Ura
Sample 2: “Mission impossible”: Nhiệm vụ bất khả thi
Sample 3: “Independence Day”: Ngày độc lập
Sample 4: “Braveheart”: Trái tim dũng cảm
Sample 5: “Interview with the Vampire”: Phỏng vấn ma cà rồng
Sample 6: “Toy Story”: Câu chuyện đồ chơi
Sam ple 7: “Panic Room”: Căn phòng đáng sợ
Sample 8: “The Matrix”: Ma trận
Sam ple 9: “The Silence of the Lambs”: Sự im lặng của bầy cừu
Sample 10: “A beautiful Mind”: Một tâm hồn đẹp
Titles featuring V-ing forms, whether as gerunds or present participles, can be categorized into two distinct groups: those with present participles and those with gerunds This V-ing structure is prevalent in movie titles, demonstrating its popularity Although the two categories share identical forms, understanding this classification can aid in translation efforts to some degree.
In English, when the V-ing form functions as a present participle, it acts like an adjective Typically, the structure of English phrases follows the order of article-adjective-noun, whereas Vietnamese adheres to a noun-adjective sequence Therefore, it is essential to adjust the V-ing form to effectively modify the noun it describes.
Sample 1: “Raging Bull”: Bò điên
Sample 2: “The Killing fields”: Những cánh đồng chết
Sample 3: “Working girl”: Cô gái chăm chỉ
Sample 4: “The dating game”: Trò chơi hò hẹn
Sample 5: “The training day”: Ngày huấn luyện
In English, gerunds function as nouns, but in Vietnamese titles, they are frequently translated as verbs for a more harmonious sound For instance, the term "việc" is often omitted in the Vietnamese translation of "Saving Private Ryan." This pattern is common across numerous titles.
Sample 1: “Saving Private Ryan”: Giải cứu bình nhì Ryan
Sample 2: “Coming home”: Trở về nhà
Sample 3: “Finding Nemo”: Tìm kiếm Nemo
Sample 4: “Singing in the rain”: Hát trong mưa
Sample 5: “Being Human”: Làm người
Sample 6: “Leaving Las Vegas”: Rời Las Vegas
Sample 7: “Changing Lanes”: Đổi ngôi
Sample 8: “Sleeping with the enemy”: Ngủ với kẻ thù
Sample 9: “Driving Miss Daisy”: Làm lái xe cho bà Daisy
Sample 10: “Avenging Angelo”: Báo thù cho Angelo
Sample of literal translation in other languages:
No The original The translated The back- translated
1 Cats and Dogs Wie kats und hund
2 Charlie‟s Angles Drei Engel fur
3 Schindler‟s List Schindlers Liste Schindler‟s List
5 Side by side Seite an seite Side by side
Der mit dem wolf tanzt
Source: http://german.about.com/library/bfilmt.htm
Explication involves enhancing a title with additional details to improve clarity and understanding This translation technique serves to clarify, explain, or interpret by incorporating essential elements from the movie Titles that are too abstract, vague, or unappealing require explication to engage the audience effectively Additionally, when a literal translation of the original title fails to resonate with viewers, explication becomes necessary It also bridges cultural gaps between Eastern and Western audiences, ensuring that titles are explicit and detailed, thereby aligning them with the movie's narrative.
The English title is a proper noun referring to characters and settings:
The name "Shrek" may not require translation, but it can be unfamiliar to many Vietnamese who are not aware of William Steig's 1990 fairy tale picture book To enhance understanding, a brief explanation is beneficial, such as the addition of the phrase "Shrek - gã chằn tinh tốt bụng," which clarifies who Shrek is and what he represents, offering the audience a clearer insight into the character.
Many Vietnamese people are familiar with Homer’s Iliad and the legendary city of Troy, which dates back to 1193 B.C in ancient Greece The title "Troy" alone evokes a wealth of historical significance, but a more descriptive title like “Trận chiến thành Troy” enhances its appeal and vividly captures the essence of the epic movie's plot.
FINDINGS AND DISCUSSIONS
Some difficulties in translation of movie titles from English into
Professional movie translators work across a variety of genres, including social drama, action, science fiction, comedy, horror, cartoon, adventure, epic, and police films While Korean cinema predominantly features social dramas and Chinese films often focus on police and historical narratives, Hollywood's modern film industry emphasizes action, science fiction, and horror, leveraging advanced technology and movie magic Consequently, translators frequently encounter action and science fiction films, but horror films are less common due to cultural censorship Despite their expertise, translating the unique language of films remains a challenging task.
Movie translation presents significant challenges due to three main obstacles Firstly, the spoken language in films often includes a variety of slangs, idioms, jargons, dialects, and puns Secondly, cultural differences, encompassing diverse ways of thinking, lifestyles, and living environments, create additional barriers for translators Lastly, translators face difficulties related to grammatical structures, making movie translation a complex and demanding task.
Translating movie titles from English to Vietnamese presents challenges, particularly with idioms, slang, terminology, and puns that are prevalent in cinematic language Many of these expressions are metaphorical rather than literal, making them difficult to translate directly Consequently, translators must seek the closest or most suitable Vietnamese equivalents According to respondents, cultural differences and complex sentence structures pose fewer challenges in the translation process.
Suggested sollutions
When translating English movie titles into Vietnamese, literal translation and explication are the most commonly employed methods Among these, explication is the preferred technique used by translators, often followed by literal translation Notably, many translators opt for the strategy of "translating it last" when using explication.
“carefully selecting words” It means explication can only be employed when the translator has watched, translated the whole film and become cognizant of what it is about
The translation of movie titles plays a crucial role in the successful release of films, necessitating careful consideration from translators While translating seemingly simple English phrases into Vietnamese may appear straightforward, the unique combinations of words in titles can be quite perplexing Titles like "Some Like It Hot," "Die Hard," and "Die Another Day" often present significant challenges, demanding creativity and effort from translators to convey the intended meaning effectively.
“transcreators” by John Yunker in “Transcreation” Gaining Momentum
The title of a movie serves as its "face," playing a crucial role in attracting viewers' attention Translators must skillfully enhance this title using their linguistic expertise to ensure it is both captivating and memorable By employing their "make-up tools" of language, they can present the title in the most appealing and impressive manner possible.