This study employs a qualitative approach, analyzing the subtitles of "Carandiru" in English, Spanish, and French. The analysis focuses on linguistic and cultural aspects, such as idiomatic expressions, colloquialisms, and cultural references. The corpus consists of the film's script and the subtitles in the three target languages.
The following tables provide examples of subtitles in English, Spanish, and French, highlighting the challenges of translating Brazilian Portuguese:
This paper provides an in-depth analysis of the subtitles used in the 2002 Brazilian film "Carandiru," directed by Héctor Babenco, and their effect on international understanding of the 1992 Carandiru prison uprising. The film, based on the true story of the uprising, was a critical and commercial success worldwide. However, the translation of the film's subtitles played a crucial role in shaping international audiences' perceptions of the events. This study examines the linguistic and cultural nuances of the subtitles, highlighting the challenges of translating Brazilian Portuguese into English and other languages.
Alinejad, M. (2014). Subtitling and the translation of cultural references. Journal of Translation Studies, 5 (1), 35-52.
The findings of this study have implications for Translation Studies, highlighting the importance of considering cultural and linguistic contexts in the translation process. Furthermore, the study emphasizes the need for translators and subtitlers to be aware of their role as cultural mediators, adapting the original text to the target audience's cultural and linguistic context.
Another significant challenge was the translation of cultural references, such as Brazilian music and football. The film features a scene where the characters discuss the Brazilian national football team's chances in the World Cup; the English subtitles simply translated the dialogue, while the Spanish subtitles added a brief explanation of the context, highlighting the significance of football in Brazilian culture.