An Analysis of Translation Techniques for Expressions of Toxic Masculinity in The Subtitles of The Film “After” (2019)

Abstract

This study aims to analyze the translation techniques used for utterances representing "toxic masculinity" in the subtitles of the film “After” (2019), translated from English to Indonesian. Adopting a qualitative descriptive approach, the study utilizes the translation technique framework proposed by Molina and Hurtado Albir (2002) as a basis for analysis. The data consist of utterances from the English subtitles that represent toxic masculinity, along with their corresponding translations in the Indonesian subtitles. The analysis involves comparing the source utterances with their translations to identify the translation techniques employed, while also examining the preservation or shifting of meaning within the context of communication between characters. The analysis of the selected data reveals the use of various translation techniques, including literal translation, established equivalence, linguistic amplification, modulation, transposition, and linguistic compression. The application of these techniques demonstrates variations in the preservation of structure, the selection of equivalents, the adjustment of expressions, and the condensation of messages. The choice of translation must also be understood in light of the context of the utterance, as it can influence the conveyance of emotional nuances, assertiveness, and dominance within the interactions between characters. This study highlights the importance of considering both linguistic and pragmatic aspects when translating utterances that represent toxic masculinity. However, the selected data are insufficient to determine which technique is dominant throughout the film as a whole.