Extras: THE IMPORTANCE & POWER OF FILM TRANSLATION

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by Aveline MacQuoid on June 7, 2021

in Extras

THE IMPORTANCE AND POWER OF FILM TRANSLATION

Film translation can be considered a form of art. It takes great skill, creativity, and language competence to successfully translate a film from one language to another. The translator needs to understand the finesse of the language style and peculiarities used in the original language, and then find a way to transfer that to the translated version.

The importance and power of film translation are immense both for the movie industry and movie creators as well as for the audience watching those movies. Here’s what makes film translation so powerful and important.

1.      Global Recognition

Movies tell stories that people all over the globe can be interested in or relate to. But, if the movie isn’t able to reach a global audience, it won’t be able to gain global recognition.

That’s where the film translation steps in.

Each time the movie is translated into a new language, it’s given a new opportunity to expand its reach and win over a new audience. That means that the translation gives the movie:

  • a chance for global recognition
  • the ability to reach more people
  • a chance to win international awards

This is why being a film translator is such a responsible and demanding job. If you’re a translator interested in stepping into this field, read about how to become a translator in the film industry. You’ll need to learn about the technical details and requirements, but you’ll find this calling dynamic and fulfilling.

2.      Enhances the Sentimental Bond

If a foreign viewer is watching a movie without translation, even if they understand the other language, the movie won’t be able to impress them in the same way as a translated version might.

When the movie is translated into their native language, the viewers can:

  • experience it on a more personal level
  • develop a stronger sentimental bond to it
  • relate to it strongly

Simply put, movie translations create stronger bonds between the movie and the audience members, allowing them to enjoy it without restrictions.

3.      Localization Matters

When a movie is created, it’s primarily aimed at a specific local audience. The people from the country of origin are the ones that will understand the film with ease and get all the references.

However, the people outside the country of origin may struggle to see the movie the same way- unless the translation is perfect. And, for a translation to be brilliant, it needs to be localized.

Localization in film translation implies:

  • adapting cultural references to the local standard
  • adapting expressions, idioms, and sayings
  • finding adequate references in the target language to use

This is why the film translation needs to be done by a certified translation professional. They need to be familiar with both cultures, languages, and people to be able to create a winning translation. This way, the translation gives the movie the same power as it has in the original language.

4.      Promotes Language Learning

Language learning is one of the noblest acts a person can dive into. Learning a new language broadens people’s horizons and makes them more open-minded and accepting of differences.

Film translation is one of the things that promote language learning by:

  • showing people the beauty of other languages
  • helping them practice reading, listening, and speaking

Thus, the power of film translation goes beyond the movie industry and expands its reach to language learning and promotion.

Final Thoughts

The importance and power of film translation are evident. It’s immensely important for the promotion and success of movies on a global level, as well as for developing stronger bonds between people cross-continents.

The field of move translation needs to be further developed, nurtured, and considered as one of the most important branches of translation.

Author’s Bio

Michael Carr is a content writer and a professional translator. He mostly writes for an audience of professional or amateur translators and focuses on sharing his knowledge and insight into this field of expertise. His articles are information-packed, practical, and aim to educate the reader.

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