The Calabrian dialect in Audiovisual Translation: subtitling U figghiu by Saverio Tavano

Audiovisual translation modes deal with multimodal texts that feature the simultaneous presence of various semiotic components (text, sound, image). In particular, subtitling is limited by time and space constraints due to the polysemiotic nature of the audiovisual content. Therefore, translation ends up being complex and challenging. It is even more difficult when the text’s source language is a dialect and not a standard variety: this dissertation explores the challenges of subtitling an Italian regional dialect - Calabrian - taking into account multiple elements (dialect-specific linguistic features, cultural references, humour, foul language) and all the constraints imposed by this AVT mode, as well as the limited translation tools available for a non-standard variety. This study was concretely carried out subtitling the short film U figghiu in Calabrian dialect, Italian and English, analysing the translation strategies adopted. As a result, it was possible to identify challenges and applicable solutions in the still underexplored field of dialect in AVT, finally underlining the need for technological developments that could pave the way for more accurate and culturally sensitive translation tools, recognizing the linguistic, social and cultural importance of dialects and regional varieties.