Republic of Yemen Faculty of Human Sciences

University of Science & Department of English Language

Technology and Translation
Ibb Branch

Strategies of Translating Idiomatic Expressions

in Subtitling: A Case Study of Harry Potter and
The Goblet of Fire Movie

A Term Paper Submitted to the Department of English

Translation, Faculty of Social and Human Science, University
of Science and Technology in Partial Fulfillment of
Requirements for the BA Degree in Translation

Submitted by
Areej Basalamah

Supervisor

Dr. Abdul-Qawi Al-Shamiri

2020/2021
Dedication

I
Acknowledgments

II
 Abstract
The present study investigates by the means of analytical comparative and
descriptive approaches the strategies of translating idiomatic expressions in
subtitling. Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire movie was chosen as a case
study. The researcher analyzed the available subtitles for it on Eygbest and
yifysubtitles websites. After analyzing the data, the study found that
subtitlers used globalization and preservation mostly to render the idiomatic
expressions. However, the study showed that subtitlers failed to transfer
idiomatic expressions in so many cases. It showed also that culture have an
important role in rendering the meaning of idiomatic expressions. The study
concluded with some recommendations based on the results of this study for
subtitlers and also some suggestions for researchers to be considered for
future studies.

III
 List of Contents

Dedication........................................................................................................................................ I
Acknowledgments .......................................................................................................................... II
Abstract ........................................................................................................................................ III
List of Contents ............................................................................................................................ IV
Chapter One..................................................................................................................................... 1
Introduction ..................................................................................................................................... 1
1.0. Overview ............................................................................................................................. 1
1.1 Statement of the Problem ............................................................................................... 2
1.2 Objectives of the Study ................................................................................................... 2
1.3 Significance of the Study ................................................................................................. 3
1.4 Methodology of the Study............................................................................................... 3
1.5 Delimitation of the Study ................................................................................................ 3
1.6 Criteria for selecting the Sample ..................................................................................... 3
1.7 Organization of the Study................................................................................................ 4
Chapter Two .................................................................................................................................... 5
Literature Review ............................................................................................................................ 5
2.0 Overview ............................................................................................................................. 5
2.1 Translation; a discipline or interdisciplinary.................................................................... 5
2.2 Types and Definitions of Translation ............................................................................... 5
2.3 Equivalence in Translation............................................................................................... 6
2.3.1 Jakobson: Equivalence in Difference ....................................................................... 6
2.3.2 Nida and Taber: Formal Correspondence and Dynamic Equivalence ..................... 7
2.3.3 Newmark: Equivalent Effect .................................................................................... 7
2.3.4 Baker: Equivalence above word level ...................................................................... 9
2.4 Audiovisual Translation(AVT) .......................................................................................... 9
2.4.1 Modes of AVT .......................................................................................................... 9
2.5 Subtitling........................................................................................................................ 10
2.6 Subtitling Strategies....................................................................................................... 10
2.7 Idiomatic Expressions .................................................................................................... 12

IV
 2.8 Davies’ Strategies for Translating Idiomatic Expressions .............................................. 13
2.8.1 Preservation: ......................................................................................................... 13
2.8.2 Addition: ................................................................................................................ 13
2.8.3 Omission: ............................................................................................................... 13
2.8.4 Globalization: ......................................................................................................... 14
2.8.5 Localization: ........................................................................................................... 14
2.8.6 Transformation: ..................................................................................................... 14
2.8.7 Creation: ................................................................................................................ 14
Chapter Three ................................................................................................................................ 15
Methodology, Data Analysis and Discussion ................................................................................ 15
3.0 Overview ........................................................................................................................... 15
3.1 Methodology ................................................................................................................. 15
3.2 Data Analysis and Discussion......................................................................................... 16
Chapter Four .................................................................................................................................. 28
Findings, Conclusions, Recommendations, and Suggestions........................................................ 28
4.0 Overview........................................................................................................................ 28
4.1 Findings.......................................................................................................................... 28
4.2 Recommendations......................................................................................................... 29
4.3 Conclusion ..................................................................................................................... 29
References ..................................................................................................................................... 30

V
 Chapter One

Introduction

1.0. Overview

Translation has always been a central part of communication between languages

and cultures. Despite the historical significance of translation, it has certainly arrived as
an academic field in the twenty-first century characterized by increasing diversification
of methods and theories. This discipline is now generally known as ‘Translation Studies’,

Translation Studies is the field of study that deals with the theory, description, and
application of translation. It examines translation not only as interlingual transfer but also
as intercultural communication. Translation today is an increasingly common human
condition, and the rapid rise of electronic media has also served to heighten awareness of
the importance of communicating across cultures. Over the past fifty years, a new
specific area of translation studies has emerged, an area that has attracted the interest of
various scholars, who have recognized its potential. With the increase in multimedia texts
and mass communication, audiovisual texts have seen a significant increase since the
1990s, with a consequent growth in interest.

Audiovisual translation(AVT) refers to the language transfer from a source to a target

language contained in products such as television programs, movies, websites and
musicals. This type of translation occupies a special place in translation studies
(Anderman, G. and J. Diaz Cintas (eds) (2008)).

Subtitling is one of the major types of language transfer in AVT. It could be identified as
textual versions of movie dialogue (Sponholz,2005), but technically it is defined as a
product of translation of original dialogue which is condensed and appear as lines of text.

Idiomatic expression is an expression made up from two or more words whose meaning
cannot be guessed from the each meaning of individual words (Baker, 1992, p. 65).
Finding the meaning of one idiomatic expression is often problematic because it is
1
usually grammatically ill-formed and literally does not make sense. Moreover, idiomatic
expressions are hard to be understood by non-native speakers and learners because such
idiomatic expressions cannot be translated word for word; rather they should be
translated into equivalent concepts in target language to convey the same meaning and
produce the same effect on the readers.

This study will discuss the strategies of translating idiomatic expressions in subtitling.

1.1 Statement of the Problem

Translating idiomatic expressions demands a high degree of consistency in transferring

the source language(SL) into the target language(TL). Actually, translators sometimes
find it difficult to cope with the meanings of idiomatic expressionss, which might result
in mistranslation. However, the problem of non-equivalence affects the translation
process. On the other hand, the nature of idiomatic expressionss, which often carry
meanings which cannot be deduced from their individual components, rise the need to
figure and follow strategies that can be used in translating idiomatic expressions.

In an attempt to approach the issues involved in subtitling idiomatic expressions, the

main focus of this study is to highlight the strategies of translating idiomatic expressions
in subtitling. As well as to explore the most commonly used strategies of subtitling
Idiomatic expressions in Harry Potter and The Goblet of Fire movie, from English into
Arabic.

1.2 Objectives of the Study

 To identify the translation strategies that the movie's subtitler used in rendering
Idiomatic Expressions, and to put forth some practical solutions, techniques
and/or strategies for dealing with these Expressions in the English-Arabic
directionality of subtitling.
 To investigate subtitling strategies used in the Arabic subtitles when translating
Idiomatic Expressions in Harry Potter and The Goblet of Fire movie.
 To summaries what is the most popular and preferred strategies among translators
is the third goal of this study.

2
1.3 Significance of the Study

AVT is a new area of study within translation studies. As subtitling considered the most
important and famous mode of AVT, scholars from the field of subtitle translation, such
as Gottlieb, Pedersen have proposed translation strategies in the area of AVT. Moreover,
there are always considerable challenges when delivering information from source text to
target text because of the huge culture gap between orient and occident, namely when
talking about a cultural specific items just like idiomatic expressions. Thus, this study
intended to highlight common strategies relating to translating idiomatic expressions in
subtitling.

1.4 Methodology of the Study

The present study is analytical comparative and descriptive. It is based on analyzing and
comparing the subtitles of the British movie Harry Potter and The Goblet of Fire by
Eygbest and yifysubtitles websites. The research is to analyze, compare and describe the
existing subtitles to find out the strategies used by subtitlers.

1.5 Delimitation of the Study

The study will shed light on the strategies used by the translators of "EgyBest" and
"yifysubtitles " with regards to subtitling idiomatic expressionss in the movie of "Harry
Potter and The Goblet of Fire" . That is, it will not talk about the other terms such as
names subtitling, humor subtitling and so forth. However, it limits itself to study the
strategies encountered by the "EgyBest" and "yifysubtitles " translators in subtitling
idiomatic expressionss in the movie of "Harry Potter and The Goblet of Fire".

1.6 Criteria for selecting the Sample

Harry Potter and The Goblet of Fire is the 4th movie in the series of Harry Potter movies
that based on the eponymous novels by the British author J.K Rowling, it was released
worldwide on November.18.2005. The movie was directed by Mike Newell and written
by Steve Kloves. It was also nominated for Best Art Direction at the 78th Academy
Awards.

3
1.7 Organization of the Study

The current study was divided into four chapters. Chapter one introduced the objectives
of the study, Significance of the study, methodology of the Study, delimitation of the
study, criteria for selecting the Sample and organization of the study. Chapter two
highlighted the theoretical background of the study whereas chapter three presented the
analysis and discussion of data. Chapter four listed the findings, recommendations ,
suggestions and a brief conclusion of the study.

4
 Chapter Two

Literature Review
2.0 Overview
As subtitling is a branch of audiovisual translation, this chapter attempts to review the
history of translation, audiovisual translation(AVT) and subtitling, and discuss the
strategies of subtitling. This chapter starts with definitions of translation and AVT given
by scholars. Then, the chapter moves on to discuss subtitling, idiom definitions and
strategies of subtitling idioms.

2.1 Translation; a discipline or interdisciplinary

Translation today has numerous and various meanings. It was also widely discussed
whether translation is a discipline or interdisciplinary.

Translation was formerly studied as a language-learning methodology or as

part of comparative literature, translation ‘workshops’ and contrastive
linguistics courses. The discipline as we now know it owes much to the
work of James S. Holmes, who proposed both a name and a structure for the
field, but the context has now advanced. The interrelated branches of
theoretical, descriptive and applied translation studies initially structured
research. Over time the interdisciplinarity and specialization of the subject
have become more evident and theories and models have continued to be
imported from other disciplines but also forged from within translation
studies itself. (Mundy, 2016, p. 27).

2.2 Types and Definitions of Translation

The term translation may refer to the general subject or phenomenon, the product, or
the process of producing the translation.

Jakobson (1896–1982, as cited in Mundy, 2016) pointed out the three categories of
translation are as follows;

5
 (1) Intralingual translation, or ‘rewording’ – ‘an interpretation of verbal

signs by means of other signs of the same language’

(2) Interlingual translation, or ‘translation proper’ – ‘an interpretation of

verbal signs by means of some other language’

(3) Intersemiotic translation, or ‘transmutation’ – ‘an interpretation of verbal

signs by means of signs of non-verbal sign systems’.

Nida (1964, as cited in Alabbasi, 2014) defined translation as "a reproducing in the
receptor language the closest natural equivalent of message of source language; receptor
language the closest natural equivalent of the message of source language; first in terms
of meanings and second in terms of style". While Newmark (1981, as cited in Alabbasi,
2014) viewed translation as a craft in which the translator aims to " replace a written
message and/or a statement in one language by the same message and/ or statement in
another language. Besides, Bell(1991, as cited in Al-Nood, 2018) pointed out that
translation is the expression in another language or TL of what has been expressed in
another SL, preserving semantic and stylistic equivalences.

The above definitions stress the significance of 'equivalence' in translation. Related to the
terms of equivalence in translation, Baker (2018, 10) proposed six equivalences. They are
(1) equivalence at word level, (2) equivalence above word level, (3) grammatical
equivalence, (4) textual equivalence: thematic and information structures, (5) textual
equivalence: cohesion, (6) pragmatic equivalence. Those equivalences are very important
in delivering the message in any target text, such as fiction and non-fiction texts.

2.3 Equivalence in Translation

2.3.1 Jakobson: Equivalence in Difference

Since languages differ from one another to a greater or lesser degree in

representations of meaning, translators may face the problem of not finding a translation
equivalent. On these occasions, Jakobson, 1987(as cited in Kuo, 2014) suggested that

6
“wherever there is a deficiency, terminology can be qualified and amplified by loanwords
or loan translations, by neologisms or semantic shifts, and, finally, by circumlocutions”.
The quality of a translation, in a sense, thus lies in whether the translator is able to adopt
the most suitable approach to tackle the equivalence deficiency between the two
languages.

2.3.2 Nida and Taber: Formal Correspondence and Dynamic

Equivalence
Nida first introduced two types of equivalence, ‘formal equivalence’ and
‘dynamic equivalence’, in his seminal book Toward a Science of Translating, published
in 1964. Then, in Nida and Taber’s, 1969/1982(as cited in Kuo, 2014) joint work, they
revised these two types of equivalence, where formal equivalence is referred to as ‘formal
correspondence’.

Formal correspondence showed in the “quality of a translation in which the features of

the form, linguistic level with respect to grammar, phonetics, lexis, syntax and so on, of
the [ST] have been mechanically reproduced in the receptor language”.

Dynamic equivalence is defined by these two authors as “the quality of a

translation in which the message of the original text has been so transported into the
receptor language that the RESPONSE of the RECEPTOR is essentially like that of the
original receptors". Nida and Taber’s (1969/1982) three dynamic phases of ‘analysis–
transfer–reconstructing’ are as following; The first stage refers to the decoding of
linguistic signs in the ST, the second stage to the use of TL signifiers to re-verbalise the
concepts of the ST, and the third and final stage to confirming the accuracy and
acceptability of the final translation in terms of the rules and styles predominant in the TL

Following these definitions, it is not surprising to observe that the application of

dynamic equivalence is the approach favored by Nida and Taber as a more effective
translation procedure, and hence as a better method to attain a high quality translation.

2.3.3 Newmark: Equivalent Effect

Newmark’s (1981; 1988) linguistic-textual approach to translation has also been
an important and fruitful source of inspiration for other scholars. He proposed a

7
distinction between semantic translation and communicative translation in the hope of
narrowing the gap between a ST and a TT. Newmark (1988: 48) considered that to
achieve an ‘equivalent effect’ is “to produce the same effect (or one as close as possible)
on the readership of the translation as was obtained on the readership of the original”; this
is also called the ‘equivalence response’ principle, which had been previously labelled by
Nida (1964) as dynamic equivalence.

Newmark (1988) regarded it as the desirable result, and identified two conditions under
which the result is unlikely to be attained:

o If the purpose of the SL text is to affect and the TL translation is to inform (or
vice versa).
o If there is a pronounced cultural gap between the SL and the TL text.

Newmark (1988) further expounds the concept of the equivalent effect in accordance
with three different text types:

Vocative texts: in communicative translation of vocative texts (e.g. publicity,

propaganda, persuasive or eristic writing), the equivalent effect is essential rather than
solely desirable, and it is the very criterion by which the effectiveness and therefore the
value of the translation is to be assessed.

Informative texts: in informative texts, the “equivalent effect is desirable only in respect
of their (in theory) insignificant emotional impact” and is not possible “if SL and TL
culture are remote from each other, since normally the cultural items have to be explained
by culturally neutral or generic terms” (1988).

Semantic texts: in terms of semantic translation, two problems regarding the equivalent
effect are presented: (a) “for serious imaginative literature, there are individual readers
rather than a readership”, thus the equivalent effect is unlikely to be achieved; and (b)
“whilst the reader is not entirely neglected, the translator is essentially trying to render
the effect the SL text has on himself […], not on any putative readership” (1988).

8
2.3.4 Baker: Equivalence above word level

Words, in any language, are restricted insofar as they can be combined among themselves
in certain ways in order to convey meaning. As Baker (2016) stated, each language
community has their own way of portraying an event, and shows preferences for certain
modes of expression and linguistic configurations. As a result of the differences in lexical
patterning (collocations, idioms, and fixed expressions) between SL and TL, “a certain
amount of loss, addition, or skewing of meaning is often unavoidable in translation”.
Thus bringing potential negative effects on the quality of a TT.

2.4 Audiovisual Translation(AVT)

The term audiovisual translation has been coined to embrace television and video
material, whereas the term multimedia translation has been chiseled out to cover all sorts
of media, communication and technology(Chiaro, 2009; Jorge Díaz-Cintas & Remael,
2014; Gambier & Gottlieb, 2001; Pérez-González, 2014; Varela, 2002,as cited in Yassin,
2019).

Delabastita(1989 as cited in JIN, 2017) marked, AVT emphasizes audiovisual dimensions

of the communicative mode. Unlike communication through other approach, such as
printed materials, audiovisual communication implies that both the aural and the visual
channels through acoustic and optical waves are simultaneously utilized.

2.4.1 Modes of AVT

Indeed, screen translation takes different forms such as subtitling, dubbing, voice-over,
narration, interpreting, surtitling; yet, their main skopos remains invariant: to enable
audiovisual and multimedia programs to be transferred across linguistic borders (cf.
Chang, 2012; Gottlieb, 2008).

dubbing, which covers ‘lip-synchronization’ or ‘lip-sync’, where the SL voice track is

replaced by a TL voice-track;

voice-over, the term involves “reducing the volume of the original soundtrack
completely, or to a minimal auditory level” so that the translation “superimposed on the

9
original soundtrack, can be easily heard” (Díaz Cintas, 2003: 195). used mainly for
documentary or interview.

Narration, is an extension of voice-over. The main difference is that the text is prepared,
translated and condensed in advance. Afterwards it is read by dubbing actors or actresses,
who literally read but do not perform.

surtitling, subtitles which are projected above the stage or on the seatbacks at the opera
or theatre;

2.5 Subtitling
Subtitling is one of the major types of language transfer in audiovisual translation
(AVT). Subtitling is used to produce a translation product in the text form of the movies
dialogue that usually shown on the screen. The text is written in the target language so
that the target audience understand the movie. The word subtitling is defined by Gottlieb
(2004) as “the rendering in a different language of verbal message in movieic media, in
the shape of one or more lines of written text, presented on the screen in synch with the
original verbal message”. According to Gottlieb (as cited in Baker, 1998), subtitling has
been used since 1929, when the first talkies reached Europe. Luyken and Herbst defined
subtitling as “condensed written translations of original dialogue which appear as lines of
text, usually positioned towards the foot of the screen” (1991, p. 31). Indeed, “subtitles
appear and disappear to coincide in time with the corresponding portion of the original
dialogue and are almost always added to the screen image at a later date as a post-
production activity” (Jorge Díaz-Cintas & Anderman, 2008, p. 36). Thus, subtitles can
not only be viewed as "snippets of written text superimposed on visual footage that
convey a target language version of the source speech" (Pérez-González, 2014, pp. 15-
16).

2.6 Subtitling Strategies

Given that translation is a process of mediation, the function of translators as interlingual

and intercultural mediators is paramount. This mediation through translation often
involves a degree of either loss or gain in meaning and significance depending on the

10
translation strategies employed. Different cultural groups have different linguistic and
symbolic forms of communication, which uniquely distinguish their communication ways
and means. Language is used for either transactional function, where information is
transmitted for almost exclusive communicative purpose, or interactional function, where
information is transmitted to express personal attitude and relates to social relationships.
As such, language and culture are closely linked in the communication process. Hence,
translators have to deal with language and culture at the same time during translation
between languages. However, languages include language items that are closely related
to culture (mental and material) than other items. Proverbs, idioms, religious texts,
folklore songs and stories, names of mythical or historical figures, clothes, festivals, etc,
are all dense cultural references.

There are several strategies for translating idiomatic expressions in hand. A

number of scholars, such as Nedergaard-Larsen (1993) Leppihalme (1994), Franco
Aixelá (1996), Pederson (2005; 2007), Davies (2003) have suggested strategies for
translating, including subtitling, CSIs; which idioms are a part of thema. The strategies
can be ranked on the continuum of two extremes: foreignization and domestication. In
general terms, strategies close to domestication are target text-culture- oriented, while
those that are close to foreignization are source text-culture-oriented. There are other
strategies that can be located along the continuum of the two extremes. These include
strategies for acceptability in adhering to the source linguistic and cultural norms, and
strategies for adequacy to adhere to the target linguistic and cultural norms (Fernandes,
2006).

In this research, seven strategies adopted are proposed by Davies (2003), namely
preservation, addition, omission, globalization, localization, transformation, and creation.
The strategies are discussed from a foreignization-domestication perspective. But first,
three essential and controversial strategies in translating CSIs were discussed, namely:
Venuti’s foreignization and domestication, and adaptation. Venuti questioned the idea of
loyalty in domesticated translations believing that domestication blurred the lines
between the ST and the TT and respectively the Source Culture (SC) and the Target
Culture (TC) and could make the translator invisible as foreignness of the ST and SC was

11
minimized in the TT; On the other hand, foreignization could result in the translator
being visible as differences between the ST and the TT and their respective cultures are
highlighted through translation. Adaptation could be seen as a series of interventions
during the translation process. These interventions result in a TT that is considered more
or less a “customized” representation of the ST rather than a translation. Adaptation may
be labeled by other translation strategies or procedures, such as domestication, rewriting,
appropriation, and others. In other words, this view of adaptation postulates that
translation is theoretically a non-adaptation-process (Bastin, 2009, p. 3).

In the context of movie production and theater, adaptation is a kind of transformation or

recycling of a mode or genre. It occurs when a ST, e.g., a novel, is transformed into a
cinema movie.

2.7 Idiomatic Expressions

Idioms are frozen patterns of language which allow little or no variation in form and, in
the case of idioms, often carry meanings which cannot be deduced from their individual
components. dioms are one of the most frequently used figures of speech in everyday
lives. Considering idioms as linguistic elements, they represent objects, concepts, or
phenomenon of material life specific to a culture. Besides, figurative language is
considered as one of the most challenging problems in the process of translation,
according to Newmark (1988), and idiomatic expressions are no exception. Idioms,
generally, as language specific items, carrying a nonliteral meaning, are usually different
from the literal meaning of the expression. In all sorts of communication, idiomatic
expressions are widely used almost in all languages. It is crystal clear that the English
language is rich in the use of idioms. They are used both in formal style and in slang.
Furthermore, considering idioms as frozen patterns of language, Baker (1992) believes
that these expressions let little or no change in their form, often carrying meanings which
cannot be perceived from their individual elements.

12
2.8 Davies’ Strategies for Translating Idiomatic Expressions

Davies (2003), a professor at King Fahd School of Translation in Morocco,

published a paper titled “A Goblin or a Dirty Nose? The Treatment of Culture-Specific
References in Translations of the Harry Potter Books” in which he suggested seven
strategies translators could use when handling idiomatic expressions through translation.
These strategies, in particular, were used in the analysis of the data in the next chapter.

2.8.1 Preservation:

Preservation or retention as Pederson (2005) called it, or cultural borrowing

according to Hervey and Higgins (1992, as cited in Davies, 2003), is the strategy
translators might find unavoidable when there is zero or different corresponding items in
the TC for the source idiomatic expressions. So, the source idiomatic expressions are
retained in the TT. Preserving the source expression through literal translation may result
in unacceptability in the TC.

Preserving or not preserving a source CSI could be decided by whether the translator
favors adequacy (where sticking to the ST is paramount) over acceptability (where the
TT and TC audience are important than loyalty to the ST) or vice versa. Preservation
could be considered an extreme aspect of foreignization.

2.8.2 Addition:

When preservation might cause misunderstanding, confusion, or ambiguity, the

translator may resort to addition. When necessary, the translator may add information to
clarify the preserved CSI. The translator provides somehow guidance to the target
audience in order to comprehend the ST clearly and correctly. The problem is that in
subtitling, translators are under space and time limitations.

2.8.3 Omission:

An idiomatic expression might be deleted when it became difficult to transfer it

into the TC through other translation strategies without causing confusion to the target
audience, disruption in the narrative flow, or disturbance in the viewing experience. It is

13
often very difficult to retain some idiomatic expressions, particularly when these are
prominent in portraying characters. However, omission is not justified if translators use it
to save themselves the trouble of looking for more effective solutions.

2.8.4 Globalization:
Globalization occurred when a more specific SC item is replaced by a more
general/global item that can be conceived by the target audience.

2.8.5 Localization:
Localization is the opposite strategy of globalization and it occurred when an
idiomatic expression is replaced by another idiomatic expression in the TC. Localization
could also be achieved through phonological and grammatical adaptations. Localization
is similar to adaptation and is closer to domestication.

2.8.6 Transformation:
This strategy is not often used. Transformation went beyond addition,
globalization, or localization resulting in “alteration or distortion of the original” (Davies,
2003, p. 86). The distinction between transformation and some other strategies is not
always clear.

2.8.7 Creation:

This is the last strategy suggested by Davies (2003) and like transformation, it is
rarely used. As a strategy, creation meant creating “an idiomatic expression which is
firmly or totally different from the ST or is not present in there” (Jaleniauskiené &
Čičelyté, 2009, p. 33). Creation and transformation are the closest to domestication since
the source expressions are replaced by others that belong to the TC.

Nevertheless, the strategy of the subtitling could be affected by the purpose of

subtitling. For instant, some scholars would recommend globalization rather than
domestication for the subtitling for teaching or learning languages purposes. While for
marketing purposes, domestication would be better recommended.

14
 Chapter Three

Methodology, Data Analysis and Discussion

3.0 Overview

Since the aim of the research is to find out the subtitling strategies in translating
idiomatic expressions, analytical comparative and descriptive method is considered as the
appropriate method. There were about 80 sentences which contain idiomatic expressions
from Harry Potter and The Goblet of Fire movie, which is the third highest-grossing
movie series of all time as of February 2020, from those 80 sentences, 20idiomatic
expressions were extracted and then were compared with the strategies that have been
used in each translation.

3.1 Methodology

In conducting the research, the following steps were taken: (1) Watching the
Harry Potter and The Goblet of Fire movie, (2) Downloading the movie English subtitle
and the translated versions of Arabic subtitles. (3) Listing and classifying the strategies
found in the movie. (4) Comparing idiomatic expressions in the source text with the
translation in the target text. (5) Identifying the translation strategies found and
suggesting a translation. After collecting the data, the researcher analyzed the data by
using these following steps: (1) Those idiomatic expressions that have been found in the
movie were captured with its two different Arabic subtitles. (2) Then, comparing the
idiomatic expressions found with its translations to know the strategy used by the
translators. (3) Calculating total number of each type of translation strategies. (4)
Presenting which types of strategies that were mostly applied by the translators. (5)
Drawing conclusions.

15
 3.2 Data Analysis and Discussion

Table 1

The
Suggested
source Translation 1 Strategy Translation 2 Strategy Strategy
translation
text
Under
their ‫تحت أنوفهم‬ Preservation ‫رغم أنفهم‬ Localization ‫بالقرب منهم‬ Globalization
noses

(Figure 1)

In example 1, the first Subtitling of the idiomatic expression “under their noses”, was
“‫”تحت أنوفهم‬, it was translated using the preservation strategy. The Arabic translation
preserved the English idiomatic expression, but regarding the meaning of under their
noses, it was not preserved. In the second subtitling it was translated into “‫”رغم أنفهم‬,
using the localization strategy. The translator wanted to make it more acceptable to the
target audience, however, the translation failed to convey the meaning.

Thus a suggested translation could be“‫”بالقرب منهم‬. This globalization reflected the right
meaning of the idiom. It should be noted that the strategies that were employed are (1)
preservation in translating1 which is the extremes of foreignization, (2) localization in
translating2 which is closer to domestication and (3) globalization in translating3 which
comes between the extremes of foreignization and domestication.

16
 Table 2

The source
Translation 1 Strategy Translation 2 Strategy
text

What you
‫ما سوف تواجهون‬
are up Globalization ‫ما عملهم‬ Globalization
against

(Figure 2)

In example 2, the first Subtitling of the idiomatic expression “what you are up
against” was translated using the globalization strategy as “‫”ما سوف تواجهونه‬,.. In the
second subtitling it was translated into “‫”ما عملهم‬, using the globalization strategy as well.
The translators wanted to make it acceptable to the target audience, however, the first
subtitling conveyed the meaning of the idiom while the second failed to convey the
meaning.

Table 3

The
Translation Translation Suggested
source Strategy Strategy Strategy
1 2 translation
text
Gave the
‫تسبب القلق‬ Globalization ‫تتحسر‬ Preservation ‫سببت المشاكل‬ Globalization
grief
Quite a bit
ᴓ Omission ᴓ Omission ‫الكثير من‬ Globalization
of

17
 (Figure 3)

The idiomatic expressions in this sentence are “Gave the grief “ and “Quite a bit
of”. The latter will be discussed as the third example.

In example 2, in the subtitle 1 the idiomatic expression “gave the grief” was
translated as“‫ ”تسبب القلق‬using the globalization strategy and the meaning was partially
conveyed. While in the subtitle 2, it was translated as”‫ ”تتحسر‬using preservation strategy
but the meaning was not conveyed. A suggested translation could be”‫ ”سببت المشاكل‬using
the globalization strategy. Again, the preservation strategy employed in translation1
stands closest to foreignization, and the globalization strategy employed in Translation
2&3 is neither full foreignization, nor domestication.

In example 3, in the translations1&2 the whole language element of the original text was
deleted, mightily because transfer it literally to the TT would be confusion. However,
omission is not justified if translators use it to save themselves the trouble of looking for
more effective solutions. A suggested translation could be conveyed via globalization
as” ‫”الكثير من‬.

Table 4

The source Suggested

Translation 1 Strategy Translation 2 Strategy Strategy
text translation
For
goodness’ ‫أرجوك‬ Globalization ‫من أجل هللا‬ Transformation ‫حبا ً باهلل‬ Localization
sake

18
 (Figure 4)

In this example, the idiomatic expression is ”For goodness’ sake”, in the subtitle1 it was
translated by the globalization strategy as “‫”أرجوك‬. The translator tended to reflect the
meaning by a more global term. In the subtitle2 it was argued whether the strategy is
transformation or just preservation because the Arabic term ”‫ ”هللا‬though it is widely
used in the Arabian societies, it gave a sense of relation to the Islamic culture.

A translation that might be suggested is ”‫ ”حبا ً باهلل‬which employed the localization

strategy. A Yemeni translator, who was mentioned as anonymous, suggested a translation
using creation strategy as ”‫”يا منعاه‬.

Table 5

The
Translation Translation Suggested
source Strategy Strategy Strategy
1 2 translation
text
‫فاجرة‬ Globalization
French ‫الحامض‬
‫فرنسية الذعة‬ Preservation Preservation
tart ‫الفرنسي‬ ‫بائعة هوى‬ Localization

(Figure 5)

19
 In this example, in both subtitles 1&2 the idiomatic expression “French tart” was
preserved but the meaning was not presented due to the cultural differences.
There could be two suggested translations that present the meaning. The first one is
“‫”فاجرة‬, the strategy used here is globalization. The second one is “‫”بائعة هوى‬, the strategy
used here is localization.
As mentioned before, preservation strategy is the extreme of foreignization,
globalization strategy is between the foreignization and domestication, and localization
strategy is closer to domestication.

Table 6

The source Translation Translation Suggested

Strategy Strategy Strategy
text 1 2 translation
Have given
this a fair ‫فكرت في ذلك‬ ‫تعلم الكثير عن‬ ‫قد فكرت بهذا‬
Globalization Globalization ً ‫مسبقا‬ Globalization
bit of ‫بإمعان‬ ‫هذا‬
thought

(Figure 6)
20
 In this example, the idiomatic expression “Have given this a fair bit of thought” was
translated in two different ways following the same strategy(Globalization). The
subtitles 1&2 were “ ‫ ”فكرت في ذلك بإمعان‬and “‫”تعلم الكثير عن هذا‬, respectively, conveyed the
meaning of the expression. However, the subtitle2 paid a little more attention to the
situation that the expression was used in, the suggested translation “‫ ”قد فكرت بهذا مسبقا‬has
done the same. Moreover, it paid a little more attention to the tense which made it more
accurate.

Table 7

The
Translation Translation Suggested
source Strategy Strategy Strategy
1 2 translation
text
Keep
‫ق عينك على‬
ِ ‫ اب‬Preservation
an eye )‫راقب (هاري‬ ‫ق عينا ً على‬
ِ ‫أب‬
ً ‫جيدا‬ Globalization Preservation ‫واعتن‬
ِ )‫(هاري‬ and
on )‫(هاري‬
‫به‬ Addition
(Harry)

(Figure 7)

In this example, the idiomatic expression “ keep an eye on (somebody)”, was translated
in subtitle1 as “ً ‫ ”راقب (هاري) جيدا‬employing the globalization strategy. While in subtitle2
it was translated as “)‫ق عينا ً على (هاري‬
ِ ‫ ”أب‬employing the preservation strategy. To some
extent, they both conveyed the meaning. Anyway, a suggested translation could be “ ‫ق‬
ِ ‫اب‬
‫واعتن به‬
ِ )‫”عينك على (هاري‬, it employed both preservation and addition strategies. Addition
was used to show the feeling of worrying about (Harry).

21
 Table 8

The
Translation Translation Suggested
source Strategy Strategy Strategy
1 2 translation
text

Piss off ‫مللت منك‬ Localization ‫اكذب‬ Globalization ‫اغرب عن وجهي‬ Localization

( Figure 8)

In this example, the idiomatic expression “Piss off” was translated in subtitle1 as
“‫”مللت منك‬, following the localization strategy. Subtitle2 was translated as “‫”اكذب‬,
following the globalization strategy. Both of them conveyed the meaning of the
expression. However, the subtitle2 paid a little more attention to the ages of the
characters who said that in the movie.

A suggested translation could be “‫”اغرب عن وجهي‬, which used the localization strategy to
be closer to domestication that cares more about the target audience.

Table 9

The
Translation Translation Suggested
source Strategy Strategy Strategy
1 2 translation
text
A right
nasty ‫يحتاج لقدر سيء‬ ً ‫بغيض جدا‬
‫سيئ للغاية‬ Globalization Preservation ٌ Globalization
piece of ‫من العمل‬
work

22
 (Figure 9)
In this example, the idiomatic expression is “A right nasty piece of work” was
translated in subtitle1 as “‫ ”سيء للغاية‬employing the globalization strategy. While in
subtitle2 it was translated as “‫لقدر سيء من العمل‬
ٍ ‫ ”يحتاج‬employing the preservation strategy.
To some extent, the subtitle1 conveyed the meaning. Unlike subtitle2 which was literally
translated.
A suggested translation could be “‫”بغيض للغاية‬,
ٌ it employed the globalization strategy and
the semantic items tried to show the disapproval about the(dragon).

Table 10

The source Translation Translation Suggested

Strategy Strategy Strategy
text 1 2 translation
‫تجعلك خجالً من‬
Globalization
‫نفسك‬
Would curl
‫تجعل شعرك‬ ‫سيجعد حتى‬ ‫تجعلك تطرق‬
even your Preservation Preservation
‫يتجعد‬ ‫شعرك الالمع‬ ‫عينيك في‬
greasy hair Creation
ً‫األرض خجال‬

(Figure 10)
23
 In this example, in both subtitles 1&2 the idiomatic expression “curl even your
greasy hair” was translated by employing the preservation strategy, but the meaning was
not conveyed due to the cultural differences.

There could be two suggested translations that present the meaning. The first one
is “‫”تجعلك خجالً من نفسك‬, the strategy used here is globalization. The second one is “ ‫تجعلك‬
ً‫”تطرق عينيك في األرض خجال‬, the strategy used here is creation. As mentioned before,
preservation strategy is the extreme of foreignization, globalization strategy is between
the foreignization and domestication, and creation strategy is the extreme of
domestication.

Table 11

The source Translation Translation Suggested

Strategy Strategy Strategy
text 1 2 translation
Have to be
Omission and ‫ال بد أن تكون‬ ‫أن يكون قد جن‬
barking ᴓ transformation ‫مغفل‬
Globalization
‫جنونك‬
Localization
mad

(Figure 11)
In this example, the idiomatic expression is “Barking mad”, in the subtitle 1 the
whole language element of the original text was deleted and transformed into a totally
different sentence. The whole sentence was “I reckon you have to be barking mad to put
your own name in the Goblet of Fire” and translated by transformation into “ ‫أصدقك أنك لم‬
)‫”تضع اسمك في(كأس النار‬. The idiomatic expression was omitted and the rest of the sentence
was transformed, nevertheless, the meaning of the text is presented.

24
 The subtitle 2 translated the idiomatic expression by using globalization as “ ‫ال بد أن تكون‬
‫”مغفل‬.
A suggested translation could be “‫”أن يكون قد جن جنونك‬, using the localization strategy.
Obviously, both of the strategies has transferred the meaning.

Table 12

The source Translation Translation Suggested

Strategy Strategy Strategy
text 1 2 translation
To put your
‫أن يقدم أحسن ما‬ ‫أن يخطي أحسن‬ Preservatio ‫أن يبذل‬
best foot Globalization Localization
‫لديه‬ ‫خطواته‬ n ‫قصارى جهده‬
forward

(Figure 12)

In this example, the idiomatic expression “To put your best foot forward” was
translated in subtitle1 as “‫ ”أن يقدم أحسن ما لديه‬employing the globalization strategy. While
in subtitle2 it was translated as “‫ ”أن يخطي أحسن خطواته‬employing the preservation
strategy. To some extent, they both conveyed the meaning. Nonetheless a better
translation could be the suggested translation “‫”أن يبذل قصارى جهده‬, which used the
localization strategy.

25
 Table 13

The
Translation Translation Suggested
source Strategy Strategy Strategy
1 2 translation
text
Got your ‫ما الذي جعلك‬
‫ما الذي أثار‬
wand in ‫معقدا ً إلى هذا‬ Globalization ‫ما مشكلتك‬ Globalization Localization
‫حفيظتك؟‬
a knot ‫الحد؟‬

(Figure 13)
In this example, the idiomatic expression “Got your wand in a knot” was translated in
subtitle1 as “‫”ما الذي جعلك معقدا ً إلى هذا الحد؟‬, the strategy used was globalization. In subtitle2
it was translated as “‫”ما مشكلتك؟‬, the strategy used was globalization, as well, and they
both conveyed the meaning.
A suggested translation would be “‫”ما الذي أثار حفيظتك؟‬, which used the localization
strategy.

Table 14

The
Translation Translation Suggested
source Strategy Strategy Strategy
1 2 translation
text
Caught ً ‫أخذت وقتا‬ ‫ أليس‬،‫علمت‬
‫في الوقت‬
on, have ‫طويالً لتكتشف‬ Globalization ‫كذلك؟ أخذت‬ Addition Localization
!‫الضائع؟‬
you? ‫هذا‬ ‫الكثير من الوقت‬

26
 (Figure 14)

In this example, the idiomatic expression is “caught on, have you?”. The meaning
of this expression might not be understood unless we know the situation. Here are two
friends, one is telling the other that he believe him now, but the other friend thought that
it is too late to do so and that he should have stand beside him since the early beginning
of the situation.
As it mentioned above, the idiomatic expression was translated in subtitle 1 as “ ً ‫أخذت وقتا‬
‫”طويالً لتكتشف هذا‬, the strategy used was globalization. In subtitle 2 it was translated as
“‫ أليس كذلك؟ أخذت الكثير من الوقت‬،‫ ”علمت‬the strategy used was addition. The translator used
the addition strategy to clarify the situation itself. Both of the translations conveyed the
meaning.
A suggested ranslation could be “!‫”في الوقت الضائع؟‬, this translation used the localization
strategy, which gave a total linguistic and cultural transparency.

27
 Chapter Four

Findings, Conclusions, Recommendations, and Suggestions

4.0 Overview

This chapter presents the summary and conclusion derived in the conduct of this
study which is to probe on the strategies of translating idiomatic expressions in the
subtitling of Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire movie. It also presents recommendations
for subtitlers when subtitling idiomatic expressions. The chapter concludes with a brief
conclusion on this study. These findings serve as answers to the research questions which
motivate the researcher to carry out this study.

4.1 Findings
Based on the data analysis, it showed that subtitlers used different strategies to
transfer several idiomatic expressions to the target language. Based on that the study
finds that:

1. The subtitlers were not able to transfer all the idiomatic expressions to the target
audience.
2. Globalization and preservation were the most strategies used by the subtitlers in
subtitling the idiomatic expressions on Harry Potter and The Goblet of Fire,
which is in a line with Dewi (2016) findings as globalization or paraphrasing as
Gottlieb (1992) called it, is the most strategy used in subtitling idiomatic
expressions. However, it goes against Hashemian (2015).
3. The subtitler succeeded to transfer the idiomatic expressions when they localized
and transformed the source text with an appropriate equivalence in the target.
They also succeeded transferring the meaning of the expressions by globalization
strategy.

28
 4. Preservation or retention as Pederson (2005) called it, or cultural borrowing
according to Hervey and Higgins (1992, as cited in Davies, 2003), proved to be
unsuccessful strategies to transfer idiomatic expressions.
5. Culture references contributed in the meaning of idiomatic expressions, which
make subtitling more challenging and that is in a line with Al Teneiji (2015) study
results.
6. Localization was the most used strategy on the suggested subtitling.

4.2 Recommendations
1. In the light of finding above, the researcher suggests the following:
2. Subtitlers have to be aware of the culture references of source text.
3. Subtitlers should avoid using preservation and retention as strategies while
subtitling idiomatic expressions.
4. Subtitlers have to choose the most appropriate strategy that can transfer the
idiomatic expressions without any loss in meaning.
5. As for future studies, it is highly recommended to do an analytical comparative
study between the strategies of subtitling and capturing. Also, it would be
interesting to investigate the effect of intonation on subtitling.

4.3 Conclusion

This study addressed by the means of analytical descriptive and comparative

approaches. The strategies used by subtitlers while translating idiomatic expressions. The
researcher opted Harry Potter and The Goblet of Fire movie as a case study. The study
aimed at identifying the strategies used on subtitling idiomatic expressions and
identifying whether the idiomatic expressions transferred or not. The results reveled that
subtitlers used different strategies but preservation and globalization were mostly used.
Also, it suggested some translations for the selected idiomatic expressions, trying to be
closer to domestication by using the localization strategy. It revealed that idiomatic
expressions, in general, are hard to be translated with preserving its intended meaning.
The researcher also suggested some recommendation on the light of the findings for
subtitlers and recommended researchers to carry out studies from different perspectives
on subtitling idiomatic expressions.

29
 References

Anderman, G. and J. Diaz Cintas (eds) (2008) Audiovisual Translation: LanguageTransfer

on the Screen, London: Palgrave.

Baker, M. (1998). Routledge Encyclopedia of Translation Studies. London and New York:

Routledge.

Belfaqeeh, N. (2009). Strategies for translating idioms and culturally-bound expressions

within the human development genre. Unpublished master’s thesis, University

of Birmingham.

Catford, J. C. (1965). A Linguistic Theory of Translation: An Essay in Applied Linguistics.

Oxford: Oxford University Press.

Chang, Y. (2012). A Tentative Analysis of English Film Translation Characteristics and

Principles. Theory and Practice in Language Studies, 2(1), 71.

Cintas, J. D. & Remael, A. (2014). Audiovisual translation: Subtitling. New York:

Routledge.

Cintas, J. D. (2004). Subtitling: the long journey to academic acknowledgement. The

Journal of Specialized Translation, 1(1), 50-68. Retrieved from

https://www.researchgate.net

d’Ydewalle, G. (2002). Foreign-language acquisition by watching subtitled television

programs. Journal of Foreign Language Education and Research, 12, 59-77.

30
Davies, E. (2003). A Goblin or a Dirty Nose? The Treatment of Culture-Specific

References in the Translations of the Harry Potter Books. The Translator:

Studies in Intercultural Communication, 9 (1), 65-100.

Delabastita, D. (1989). Translation and mass communication: Film and TV as evidence of

cultural dynamics. Babel, 8(4), 193-218.

Gambier, Y. (2003). Introduction: Screen transadaptation: Perception and reception. The

translator, 9(2), 171-198. doi.org/10.1080/13556509.2003.10799152

Gottieb, H. (2005). Multidimensional translation: Semantics turned semiotics. In H.

Gerzymusch-Arbogast & S. Nauert (Eds.), EU high level scientific conference

series: Challenges of multidimensional translation (pp. 33-61). Germany:

MuTra.

Gottlieb, H. (1997). Subtitles, Translation and Idioms, 2 vol. Copenhague. Center for

Translation Studies and Lexicography, Department of English, University of

Copenhaguen.

Gottlieb, H. (2008). Screen translation Understanding translation: Systime Academic.

Luyken, G.-M., & Herbst, T. (1991). Overcoming language barriers in television: Dubbing

and subtitling for the European audience (Vol. 13): European Institute for the

Media.

Marashi, H., & Poursoltani, k. (2009). An analysis of Farsi into English subtitling

strategies employed in Iranian feature film. Journal of Teaching English as a

Foreign Languageand Literature, 1(1), 15-29.

31
Munday, J. (Eds.). (2009). The Routledge Companion to Translation Studies. London &

New York: Routledge.

Newmark, P. (1988). A Textbook of Translation. London and New York: Prentice Hall.

Nida, E. & Taber, C. (1982). The theory and practice of translation (2nd ed.). Retrieved

from https://www.academia.edu/39886896/

Pedersen, J. (2005). How is Culture Rendered in Subtitles? EU-High-Level Scientific

Conference Series. MuTra 2005 – Challenges of Multidimensional

Translation: Conference Proceedings, 1-18. Retrieved from

http://www.euroconferences.info/proceedings/2005_Proceedings/2005_Peders

en_Jan.pdf

Pérez-González, L. (2014). Audiovisual translation: Theories, methods and issues:

Routledge.

Venuti, L. (1995). The translator’s invisibility: A history of translation. London & New

York: Routledge.

Venuti, L. (2001). Strategies of translation. In M. Baker (ed), Routledge encyclopedia of

translation studies (pp. 240-244). London& New York: Routledge.

32