Translating and analyzing subtitles : “The Notebook” directed by Nick Cassavetes

Abstract

I decided to focus my work and research on translating subtitles because in Malta, this field is still not given enough importance and value. During the course, we worked mainly on translating written texts such as articles from books, but never focused on audio-visual material such as subtitles. Tackling a different area in the field of translation studies would have allowed me to broaden my knowledge. Subtitling has always been a dream of mine and for that purpose, I decided to enrol myself in a course for translators. Watching ‘Fightclub’ during a lecture held by Professor Aquilina subtitled by himself and Mr Simon Cassar (a former student of the same course), confirmed that subtitling is a tangible skill which even I could master. Such a choice could also enhance my skills and improve employment opportunities. It might also help motivate other students who may feel uncertain on the choice of their topic like I was a year ago. Additionally, having more films subtitled into our native language could help our language to flourish. One must keep in mind that certain countries which have two active languages use bilingual subtitles. In Malta, we tend to leave a film in English most probably because the majority of the population understands the language. This may put at a disadvantage a certain section of the population who may not grasp the English language. Ideally, Maltese people should become more appreciative of this communicative medium as people in other countries have already done over a good number of decades. Getting used to this way of watching films should not be more difficult than any other novelty. Once already familiar with subtitling of films in either English or Italian, subtitles in Maltese should not pose any particular challenge. This field of study could provide new opportunities for people who are physically disadvantaged, such as those who are hard of hearing or short-sighted. The possibility of including capital letters and even utilising different colours to aid such people should also be considered. My research topic should allow me to be of aid to others while doing something which I enjoy. My ultimate goal is that of seeing Maltese subtitles incorporated in films so as to reflect our country’s bilingual reality and to cater for the needs of different sections of the population.