DECIPHERING ENGLISH-SWAHILI TRANSLATION IN 'JOKER': A SUBTITLE-BASED ANALYSIS

Abstract

In this study, the primary aim is to investigate the forms and functions of translation in the context of the movie 'Joker,' focusing on the translation from English to Swahili. We seek to identify the prevalent translation techniques in this language pair and assess their impact on translation quality. Furthermore, the study endeavors to explore how the functions of translation within the movie 'Joker influence the overall comprehension and interpretation of the film in Swahili, a language in which the movie 
includes subtitles. Specifically, we analyze a sample of Swahili subtitle sentences to fulfill this objective, with a sole focus on the Swahili language.
The methodology employed in this research encompasses a qualitative approach to dissect the functions of translation in the 'Joker' movie, delving into their contributions to the holistic interpretation of the film in Swahili. Additionally, a quantitative content analysis of English-to-Swahili translation sentences extracted from the Swahili subtitles is conducted. This dual-pronged analysis is instrumental in unveiling the profound impact of translation functions on the overall reception of the movie in 
Swahili, emphasizing the pivotal role of accurate transmission of meaning in ensuring the Swahili-speaking audience comprehends the movie's message. This study's originality lies in its focus on a unique language pair, and its in-depth exploration of translation functions within a cinematic context. The potential applications of this study extend to the realm of translation, particularly within the context of Swahili translation. The findings may offer insights into effective translation techniques and their implications for globalized communication, a valuable resource for professionals and enthusiasts in the field. This research contributes to the 
growing body of knowledge by shedding light on the unique challenges and dynamics of translation in multilingual cinematic contexts, enriching our understanding of this subject.