Exploring viewer reception of the Spanish Netflix series ‘La Casa De Papel’ with Maltese inclusive subtitles

Abstract

This applied and reception study aims to explore the process and reception of the first foreign Audiovisual production taken from Netflix that was subtitled into Maltese by means of an inclusive approach. The main aim of this dissertation is to create awareness on the fact that local media needs to be more accessible to each type of audience, with or without hearing impairment. Hence, the reason why inclusive subtitles were developed. Another aim of this research is to generate curiosity about subtitle translation and the world of AVT in general. This is because, unfortunately, here in Malta, this translation sector is not a popular one; rather, it tends to be underappreciated. Apart from this, it is strongly believed that the majority of films coming to Malta, and also popular foreign series should be translated into Maltese. This is because not all Maltese are bilingual and therefore, there are several Maltese who are being marginalized for the simple fact that they do not understand English. Consequently, if the subtitle translation industry here in Malta were to receive due credit and attention, many Maltese would benefit from it and a more inclusive society would be created. This study also details the strategies used to tackle the challenges of this audiovisual field. Finally, in this thesis, one finds a Spanish to Maltese translation for the subtitles of the Pilot episode of 'La Casa de Papel'.