Contents

Acknowledgements

Abstract

摘要

Chapter One Introduction-1

  1.1 The Background and Significance of the Research-1

  1.2 The Structure of the Thesis-2

Chapter Two Literature Review-3

  2.1 Previous Research on Humor Subtitle Translation-3

  2.2 Relevance Theory and Translation-4

Chapter Three Analyzing Subtitling Translation of Modern Family-6

  3.1 Introduction to Sitcom and Modern Family-6

  3.2 Humor in Modern Family-7

    3.2.1 Language Humor-7

    3.2.2 Culture Humor-7

    3.2.3 Situation Humor-8 

  3.3 The Application of Relevance Theory in The Translation of Modern Family-9

    3.3.1 Direct Translation in Modern Family-9

    3.3.2 Indirect Translation in Modern Family-10

Chapter Four Conclusion-13

References-14

Abstract

Since 1990s, with the development of globalization and information technologies, the cultural exchanges between China and other countries become deeper and deeper. A large number of western movies and TV series enter China through Internet and other channels. They are appreciated by Chinese audience, especially the young generation. Situational comedies, such as Modern Family has won a huge group of fans with their well-designed humor, true-to-life stories and rich cultures. However, the differences between languages lead to the need of subtitle translation which has also became a new field of translation studies.

This thesis discusses humor translation in American situational comedy Modern Family on the basis of Relevance Theory and its major principles. By analyzing the translations provided by Sohu and Fengruan subtitle group, the translator discusses how to achieve optimal relevance and how to deliver humorous information to the target audience in the process of translation. The author also provides specific strategies and techniques of humor translating in situational comedies in order to introduce a new vision to translators in subtitling translating.

Key words: subtitle translation  Relevance Theory  humor