Cross-linguistic transference of politeness phenomena

Shih, Pei Chun (2011). Cross-linguistic transference of politeness phenomena. University of Birmingham. Ph.D.

[img]
Preview
Shih11PhD1.pdf
PDF

Download (488kB)
[img]
Preview
Shih11PhD2.pdf
PDF

Download (666kB)
[img]
Preview
Shih11PhD3.pdf
PDF

Download (1MB)

Abstract

In this thesis, I have examined the screen translation of Japanese politeness into Cantonese dubbing as well as Chinese subtitling at three difference levels: (a) face threatening acts; (b) frequently used politeness markers and (c) discernment aspect of politeness. It is not difficult to find equivalents in the target languages for the politeness strategies exploited in dealing with face threatening acts. However, the indirectness expressed through certain commonly adopted politeness markers (such as negative interrogative) in Japanese cannot be conveyed into our target languages easily. Translators also encounter some difficulties when they deal with the discernment aspect of Japanese politeness (i.e. the distinction between plain, formal and honorific form). Both target languages are able to distinguish politeness of two levels instead of three as observed in the Japanese original. Finally, the screen translation, especially the dubbed version, of the two films that I examined demonstrates the dual role of a translated text as not only a reproduction of the original text but also a text which has its function in the target culture.

Type of Work: Thesis (Doctorates > Ph.D.)
Award Type: Doctorates > Ph.D.
Supervisor(s):
Supervisor(s)EmailORCID
Thompson, PaulUNSPECIFIEDUNSPECIFIED
Licence:
College/Faculty: Colleges (2008 onwards) > College of Arts & Law
School or Department: School of English, Drama and American & Canadian Studies, Department of English Literature
Funders: None/not applicable
Subjects: P Language and Literature > PI Oriental languages and literatures
P Language and Literature > P Philology. Linguistics
URI: http://etheses.bham.ac.uk/id/eprint/1697

Actions

Request a Correction Request a Correction
View Item View Item

Downloads

Downloads per month over past year