Understanding Extralinguistic Cultural References (ECRs) in Subtitling
Exploring the concept of Extralinguistic Cultural References (ECRs) in subtitling, this lesson delves into how ECRs are defined, accessed, and rendered in subtitles. It discusses strategies such as retention, direct translation, official equivalents, and interventional approaches like generalization and specification. By understanding ECRs, subtitlers can effectively convey cultural nuances to viewers.
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Lesson Eleven Extralinguistic cultural references ECRs
More than linguistic transfer Extralinguistic cultural references Jan Pedersen - Scandinavian Subtitling Project
(Pedersen 2007: 91) Extralinguistic Cultural Reference (ECR) is defined as reference that is attempted by means of any cultural linguistic expression, which refers to an extralinguistic entity or process. The referent of the said expression may prototypically be assumed to be identifiable to a relevant audience as this referent is within the encyclopaedic know- ledge of this audience. In other words, ECRs are references to places, people, institutions, customs, food etc. that you may not know even if you know the language in question.
ECRs can be accessed Encyclopaedically and intertextually, i.e. through the viewer s cultural literacy of the world and other texts. Deictically, i.e. through deixis in the context or co-text. Through intervention from the subtitler, working as a cultural mediator.
Seven ways of rendering an ECR Minimum change 1)retention 2)direct translation 3) official equivalent
Seven ways of rendering an ECR Interventional strategies 4) generalisation 5) specification 6) substitution
OR 7) omission
Retention Transfer the ECR to the subtitles: Barack Obama = Barack Obama La dolce vita = La dolce vita
Direct translation Not as common as retention but eg. Fifth Avenue la quinta strada La torre di Pisa The Tower of Pisa
Official equivalent Translations entrenched through established usage 28 gradi = 83 degrees Or imposed by administrators Dr. No = Agente 007 Licenza di uccidere
Generalisation Use a hyperonym chunking up Il vicepresidente del Senato della Repubblica = an Italian politician Needed at times to save time/space
Specification chunking down TT message more specific than the ST message. Renato Vallanzasca = the criminal Vallanzasca Le celebrazioni dei rossoneri = AC Milan s celebrations
Substitution The substituting item may be a different ECR from the TC or a more well-known ECR from the SC or a third culture. Ministro delle finanze = Chancellor of the Exchequer Little Dorritt = Oliver Twist Un post al sole = Dynasty
Omission Responsible omission if no other options eg. when there is high-speed diaolgue Irresponsible omission lack of trying.