Language and identity representation in the English subtitles of Almodóvar ’ s films (original) (raw)

Language in Almodóvar’s films is very frequently used as an important characterization method and as an identity constructor. In this sense, the main objective of the present paper is to analyse language and identity representation in twelve films by the Manchego filmmaker and in the English subtitles for DVD. More specifically, the article focuses on aspects of language and identity representation both in ST and TT, such as dialectal features, characteristics of gayspeak and use of swearwords. It has been observed that in the English subtitles there is a tendency to standardization of dialectal features and of sanitization of swearwords. Moreover, certain features of gayspeak –such as the reversal of derogatory terms or the use of cross-gender reference or girl talk– tend to be omitted in the English TT as well. These observed tendencies have an obvious effect both on identity representation and on characterization, and consequently, on the way in which monolingual English viewers ...