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2023/24 School of Chinese Reseach Seminar

Exploring Intersemiotic Translation Models - A Case Study of Ang Lee's Films

探究符際翻譯模型 - 關於李安電影的案例研究

Speaker: Dr. Haoxuan Zhang 張浩軒博士

Date: 20 November 2023 (Monday)

Time: 10:00 am - 11:15 am

Venue: Room 7.30, Run Run Shaw Tower, HKU

Language: English

Abstract:

Intersemiotic translation enables film to be discussed through the prism of translation studies, although past research in this area, which perceives film as a transmission from verbal signs to non- verbal signs, oversimplifies the film-making mechanism. As a result, researchers neglect the fact that other elements of film language are governed by audio-visual patterns that are included in a film’s prior materials. To remedy this deficiency, a rigorous investigation of these audio- visual patterns has been carried out, and answers are provided for the research question: How do intersemiotic translators translate?

In this research, these quality-determining audio-visual patterns are considered as the film-maker’s intersemiotic translation models, which provide translation solutions for verbal text segments in the screenplay. Using elements from Even-Zohar’s polysystem theory and Rey Chow’s theory of cultural translation, a multi-level system of intersemiotic translation is proposed, comprised of two levels: cultural and semiotic. These intersemiotic translation models, and their functions, are explored through case studies of three of Ang Lee’s films, namely, Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon; Lust, Caution; and Life of Pi.

“符際翻譯”這⼀概念使得翻譯研究者得以從翻譯學的⻆度去討論電影。儘管如此，過往該領域的研究都將電影視作⼀種從⾔語符號到⾮⾔語符號的傳播，從⽽過度簡化了電影製作的實際機制。其結果是，研究者往往會忽略這⼀事實，即電影語⾔的其他參數都會受到各種視聽模式的影響，⽽這些模式也同樣是決定電影結果的先驗材料。本研究旨在彌補這⼀領域的不⾜，對這些視聽模式進⾏細緻的研究，以解答這⼀研究問題：符際翻譯者是如何翻譯的？

本研究將這些決定電影品質的視聽模式視作電影⼈的符際翻譯模型。這些模型為電影⼈翻譯劇本中的⾔語⽂本⽚段提供解決⽅案。根據伊⽂-佐哈爾的多元系統理論以及周蕾⽂化翻譯理論中的理論要素，本研究提出了⼀個多層級符際翻譯模型系統。該系統由⽂化和符號兩個層級構成。本研究通過對李安《臥⻁藏⿓》、《⾊戒》、《少年派的奇幻漂流》三部電影的案例研究，詳述了這些符際翻譯模型及其功能。

Speaker:

Haoxuan Zhang obtained a PhD in Translation Studies from Durham University. He currently lectures in translation studies at the MTI centre at Beijing Normal University. His research interests include intersemiotic translation, Chinese studies, visual culture and film studies. The aim of his research is to contribute to the methodology and theoretical understanding of intersemiotic translation with regard to translation phenomenon in a variety of semiotic forms. His recent publications include the research monograph Exploring Intersemiotic Translation Models – A Case Study of Ang Lee’s Films (2023) by Routledge Publishing House.

張浩軒於杜倫⼤學取得翻譯學博⼠學位，他⽬前任教於北京師範⼤學MTI中⼼。他的研究領域包括符際翻譯、中國研究、視覺⽂化和電影研究。其研究旨在針對各種符號形式的翻譯現象，為符際翻譯的⽅法論和理論理解做出貢獻。他的最新著作包括勞特萊奇出版社所出版的研究專著《探究符際翻譯模型-關於李安電影的案例研究》(2023)。

ALL ARE WELCOME