Shift from General Meaning to Specific Meaning

Oct 13, 2025 by talynt.org 52 views

Introduction

The process of translation is a complex and multifaceted task that requires a deep understanding of the source language, the target language, and the cultural context in which the translation will be used. In the case of film subtitles, the translation process is particularly challenging due to the need to convey the nuances of language and culture in a way that is both accurate and accessible to the target audience. This article presents an analysis of the shift in shape and meaning in the film subtitles of "Apple of My Eye" (, Mòu Gē), a Mandarin-language film that was translated into Indonesian. The analysis reveals the complexities of the translation process and highlights the importance of understanding the cultural and linguistic context in which the translation is being made.

Research Methods

In conducting this analysis, the author employed a qualitative research method, using descriptive delivery to examine the process of shifting forms and meanings in the film subtitles. The research involved three main stages: data collection, data analysis, and data presentation. The data collection stage involved recording and grouping data based on the characteristics contained in the subtitles. The data was then classified into tables and analyzed using the SLBC (Source Language, Borrowed Concept, and Context) method, which involves identifying the source language, borrowed concept, and context in which the concept is being used.

Research Findings

The results of the analysis revealed several interesting findings, including:

Level Shift

There were 13 examples of level shift identified in the analysis, which refers to the shift in the level of formality or informality in the subtitles.

Category Shifts

There were 126 examples of category shifts identified in the analysis, which refers to the shift in the category or classification of the subtitles. The category shifts were divided into four main categories:

Structure Shift: 44 examples
Class Shift: 3 examples
Shift Unit: 80 examples
IT-SYSTEM SHIFT: 0 examples

The total number of category shifts reached 140 examples.

Meaning Shift

There were 18 examples of meaning shift identified in the analysis, which refers to the shift in the meaning of the subtitles. The meaning shift was divided into two main types:

Shift from General Meaning to Specific Meaning: 7 examples
Shift from Specific Meaning to General Meaning: 9 examples

The analysis also revealed three examples of shifts of meaning caused by differences in cultural perception.

Further Analysis

The results of the analysis suggest that the shift in the subtitles is strongly influenced by the context of culture and linguistics. For example, a shift in form can occur when the structure of sentences in Mandarin cannot be directly translated into Indonesian without changing the arrangement of words or meanings. This indicates the importance of understanding the context in translation.

On the other hand, the shift of meaning shows how some terms or expressions in Mandarin may have different connotations when translated into Indonesian. This implies that the translator needs to consider the nuances of meaning to produce translations that are not only accurate, but also relevant to the intended audience.

Conclusion

The analysis of shift in shape and meaning in the film subtitles "Apple of My Eye" reveals the complexity of the translation process. This research provides insight into the challenges faced by the translator in maintaining the authenticity and clarity of film messages while making the content easily understood by the audience from different cultures. By understanding this phenomenon, we can appreciate more in the art of translation and the importance of the role of translators in bridging intercultural communication.

Implications

The findings of this study have several implications for the field of translation studies. Firstly, they highlight the importance of understanding the cultural and linguistic context in which the translation is being made. Secondly, they suggest that the shift in the subtitles is a complex process that requires a deep understanding of the source language, the target language, and the cultural context. Finally, they imply that the translator needs to consider the nuances of meaning to produce translations that are not only accurate, but also relevant to the intended audience.

Recommendations

Based on the findings of this study, several recommendations can be made for future research. Firstly, further research is needed to explore the complexities of the translation process in different cultural and linguistic contexts. Secondly, research is needed to develop more effective methods for analyzing and understanding the shift in the subtitles. Finally, research is needed to explore the role of translators in bridging intercultural communication and to develop more effective strategies for training translators to work in different cultural and linguistic contexts.

Limitations

This study has several limitations that need to be acknowledged. Firstly, the study was limited to a single film and a single language pair, which may not be representative of the complexities of the translation process in other contexts. Secondly, the study relied on a qualitative research method, which may not be as effective as other methods for analyzing and understanding the shift in the subtitles. Finally, the study was limited to a single dataset, which may not be representative of the complexities of the translation process in other contexts.

Future Research Directions

Future research directions include:

Exploring the complexities of the translation process in different cultural and linguistic contexts
Developing more effective methods for analyzing and understanding the shift in the subtitles
Exploring the role of translators in bridging intercultural communication and developing more effective strategies for training translators to work in different cultural and linguistic contexts

By understanding the complexities of the translation process and the role of translators in bridging intercultural communication, we can develop more effective strategies for training translators and for producing high-quality translations that are relevant to the intended audience.

Introduction

In our previous article, we presented an analysis of the shift in shape and meaning in the film subtitles of "Apple of My Eye" (, Mòu Gē), a Mandarin-language film that was translated into Indonesian. The analysis revealed the complexities of the translation process and highlighted the importance of understanding the cultural and linguistic context in which the translation is being made. In this Q&A article, we will answer some of the most frequently asked questions about the analysis and provide further insights into the complexities of the translation process.

Q: What is the significance of the analysis of shift in shape and meaning in the film subtitles?

A: The analysis of shift in shape and meaning in the film subtitles is significant because it reveals the complexities of the translation process and highlights the importance of understanding the cultural and linguistic context in which the translation is being made. By understanding these complexities, we can develop more effective strategies for training translators and for producing high-quality translations that are relevant to the intended audience.

Q: What are the main findings of the analysis?

A: The main findings of the analysis include:

Level Shift: 13 examples of level shift were identified, which refers to the shift in the level of formality or informality in the subtitles.
Category Shifts: 126 examples of category shifts were identified, which refers to the shift in the category or classification of the subtitles. The category shifts were divided into four main categories: structure shift, class shift, shift unit, and IT-SYSTEM SHIFT.
Meaning Shift: 18 examples of meaning shift were identified, which refers to the shift in the meaning of the subtitles. The meaning shift was divided into two main types: shift from general meaning to specific meaning and shift from specific meaning to general meaning.

Q: What are the implications of the analysis for the field of translation studies?

A: The implications of the analysis for the field of translation studies are:

Understanding the cultural and linguistic context: The analysis highlights the importance of understanding the cultural and linguistic context in which the translation is being made.
Complexity of the translation process: The analysis reveals the complexity of the translation process and the need for more effective methods for analyzing and understanding the shift in the subtitles.
Role of translators: The analysis implies that the translator needs to consider the nuances of meaning to produce translations that are not only accurate, but also relevant to the intended audience.

Q: What are the limitations of the analysis?

A: The limitations of the analysis include:

Single film and language pair: The study was limited to a single film and a single language pair, which may not be representative of the complexities of the translation process in other contexts.
Qualitative research method: The study relied on a qualitative research method, which may not be as effective as other methods for analyzing and understanding the shift in the subtitles.
Single dataset: The study was limited to a single dataset, which may not be representative of the complexities of the translation process in other contexts.

Q: What are the future research directions?

A: The future research directions include:

Exploring the complexities of the translation process in different cultural and linguistic contexts
Developing more effective methods for analyzing and understanding the shift in the subtitles
Exploring the role of translators in bridging intercultural communication and developing more effective strategies for training translators to work in different cultural and linguistic contexts

Q: What are the practical implications of the analysis for translators and translation agencies?

A: The practical implications of the analysis for translators and translation agencies are:

Understanding the cultural and linguistic context: Translators and translation agencies need to understand the cultural and linguistic context in which the translation is being made.
Complexity of the translation process: Translators and translation agencies need to be aware of the complexity of the translation process and the need for more effective methods for analyzing and understanding the shift in the subtitles.
Role of translators: Translators need to consider the nuances of meaning to produce translations that are not only accurate, but also relevant to the intended audience.

Q: What are the future applications of the analysis?

A: The future applications of the analysis include:

Developing more effective strategies for training translators: The analysis can be used to develop more effective strategies for training translators to work in different cultural and linguistic contexts.
Producing high-quality translations: The analysis can be used to produce high-quality translations that are relevant to the intended audience.
Bridging intercultural communication: The analysis can be used to bridge intercultural communication and to develop more effective strategies for communicating across cultures.