Notes on Translation and Subtitling of Science-Agrifood Documentaries

Abstract

The present study will deal with a type of subordinated translation in which the translator attempts to produce a written text that must be interpreted in spoken language, as well as to evoke orality and reproduce the original dialogues in the target language. The translator must operate according to several time and space limitations on screen, and consequently, choose an adequate translation strategy. In the present case of study, we will analyze some particular textual characteristics, as we will work on a technical and scientific documentary film: a hybrid and multidisciplinary text including different discursive elements, sociolects and specialized lexicon. The translator will take adaptation strategies in order to achieve orality in a target text which is a product of audiovisual translation, as well as translation strategies in order to produce a highly specialized technical and scientific written text. Thus, the debate on subtitling is still open: Is it a translation disciple or a type of adaptation? This study aims to propound a work strategy to face problems arisen during the transcription and translation of a science documentary specialized in agricultural and food technologies, regarding software and translation issues from the point of view of audiovisual translation and scientific and technical translation.