Translating Humor: Strategies and Challenges in Audiovisual Translation from English to Arabic

Abstract

One significant impact of globalization is the unparalleled ease with which television series and movies, regardless of their country of origin, can reach a vast and virtually limitless audience. This global connectivity, combined with the ever-growing appetite for visual entertainment, has made audiovisual translation and subtitling increasingly essential. However, the process is not without its challenges, as cultural barriers continue to pose significant obstacles. Humor, in particular, presents unique difficulties in translation despite its seemingly universal appeal. This study will dig into these complexities by examining the American sitcom "The Office" as a case study. It will explore various facets of humor translation, paying special attention to the details involved in conveying cultural references across different languages and cultures. Through this analysis, the project aims to highlight the nuanced challenges and considerations that translators must navigate to effectively bridge cultural gaps and maintain the essence of humor in audiovisual content.