Translation of film subtitles from English into Kazakh: challenges and strategies

Abstract

The issue of subtitling is gaining significant prominence in Kazakhstan, prompting a focuson the quality of subtitles and the necessity of providing high-quality translations. The given research is aimed at studying the translation of film subtitles from English into Kazakh through a process-oriented research approach based on in-depth interviews, whichwill contribute to a more nuanced understanding of the faced challenges and employed strategies by professional translators. To reach this research purpose following research questions were set: (1) What challenges do professional translators face while translating film subtitles from English into Kazakh? (2) How do professional translators overcome faced challenges while translating film subtitles from English into Kazakh? The given research employed in-depth semi-structured interviews with professional subtitle translators. The research found that the film subtitling from English into Kazakh has similar language-related challenges to previous research, however, has its own process- related challenges. The challenges related to the language can be solved through the use oftranslation strategies and through the experience and continuous training of the translator. Moreover, the research carries several implications for audiovisual translation and its various stakeholders. Firstly, it increases awareness regarding the challenges encountered by subtitlers when translating films into Kazakh. Furthermore, stakeholders involved in subtitling processes can benefit from the research findings as they aid in decision-making and facilitate effective collaboration among the involved parties