Abstract:After China joined in WTO, more and more English movies are released in China, so the translations of movies become more and more important. However, if an English movie wants to make a deep impression on its foreign audience, definitely, the translation of its name is pretty important to its promotion. Hence, it requires the translator be familiar with proper translation skills. Usually, we use these following four methods—literal translation, free translation, transliteration, and combinational translation. Besides, to localize a movie name is to make an easier understanding for the audience.

This paper firstly introduces the basic translating theories, and then emphasizes the important role of localization in translating movies’ name. Then it analyzes different culture between Hong Kong and China Mainland，and the reason for the difference by contrasting the different translations of movie names between these two places. The last part is a conclusion, that is, localization is an essential part in translating movies’ names.

From this paper, what the author wants to emphasize is that movies at present are no longer as traditional art form as they were before, and translating movies’ name should not be based on traditional translating theories but should be based on localization. Firstly, to translate a movie’s name based on localization can reflect the native culture and native literature. Secondly, to localize it in translating can help its audience to understand the movie easier when they first read the movie’s name. Thirdly, to localize it in translating is of great importance for its spread and realizing its appreciation value and commercial value. 

Key words: English movies’ names, Translation, Culture difference, Localization

Table of Contents

Abstract

摘要

1.Introduction1

2.The Basic Theory in Translating English Movies’ Names2

2.1 The Definition of Translation.2

2.2 Four Translating Methods2

2.2.1 Literal Translation2

2.2.2 Free Translation2

2.2.3 Transliteration 3

2.2.4 Combination Translation .3

2.3 Four Translating Angles 3

2.3.1 Appreciation3

2.3.2 Linguistics4

2.3.3 Cultures.5

2.3.4 Commerce5

3. The Influence of Localization on Translating English Movies’ Names into Chinese by Contrasting the Translations.7

3.1 The Definition of Localization.7

3.2 The Translating Difference of English Movies’ Names between China Mainland and Hong Kong.8

3.3 The Influence of Localization in Translating English Movies’ Names9

3.3.1 Language Localization Factor—Taking The Unbearable Lightness for example9

3.3.2 Regional Localization Factor—Taking Pretty Women for example.10

3.3.3 Economic Localization Factor11

4. Conclusion13

4.1 The Standard for Localizing English Movies’ Names13

4.2 The Translation Difficulties in Localizing English Movies’ Names13

4.3 Localization Translation Process for English Movies’ Names.14

Bibliography14

Acknowledgements15