A Study on Subtitle Translation Strategies in the Overseas Trailer of Ne Zha 2

Abstract

This study focuses on the overseas trailer of the popular animated movie “Ne Zha 2” and analyzes its Chinese subtitle translation strategy. This movie contains a large amount of traditional Chinese cultural elements, which poses two main challenges when translated into English: how to accurately convey vocabulary with Chinese cultural characteristics, and how to make foreign audiences understand and willing to accept it. The study utilized two translation theories, “domestication” and “foreignization”, to analyze the translation of terms related to natural environment, language habits, religious beliefs, and social culture in trailers, with a particular focus on the translation of a limerick. Research has found that “Ne Zha 2” does not only use a fixed translation method in its overseas trailer, but flexibly combines “preserving Chinese characteristics” and “being close to foreign audiences’ understanding” based on specific content and cultural background. This flexible and practical translation method has effectively helped Chinese culture go global, and also provided a good reference and inspiration for how Chinese films can do well in subtitle translation in the international market.