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Article published In: FORUM
Vol. 16:2 (2018) ► pp.324–340

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Translators’ image in Iranian feature films

A sociological perspective

 | Ferdowsi University of Mashhad
 | Ferdowsi University of Mashhad
 | Ferdowsi University of Mashhad
Published online: 26 November 2018
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https://doi.org/10.1075/forum.16031.kho
Abstract
Drawing on the significant influence of audiovisual media on people’s conceptions of any given phenomenon, the current qualitative study was an attempt to identify the social dimensions of the Iranian translator, represented in feature films in Iran. Specifically, the study aimed to explore the identity, socioeconomic status and lifestyle of the translator characters depicted in Iranian feature films. Therefore, 16 Iranian films, involving interlingual translation, were selected. The thematic analysis revealed five sociological aspects of the Iranian translator reflected in Iranian films: identity of the translator, socioeconomic status of the translator, lifestyle and attitude of the translator, attitudes of other characters towards the translator, and the role of translation in the turn of events. The results indicated that translators are generally shown as self-disciplined and dissociable individuals who are devoted to their work. The translator characters mostly had minor roles in the plot and turn of events.
Résumé
Vu l’impact majeur des médias audio-visuels sur les idées des gens par rapport aux divers phénomènes, cette étude cherche à identifier les dimensions sociales des traducteurs iraniens selon leur représentation dans les films iraniens. Nous étudierons avec précision, l’identité, le statut socio-économique et le mode de vie du traducteur dans les films iraniens. A cet effet, nous avons choisi 16 films représentant différents types de traductions interlangagières. Cette analyse thématique a révélé cinq aspects sociaux des traducteurs présents dans les films iraniens : leur identité, leur statut socio-économique, leur mode de vie, leur comportement, le comportement des autres personnages par rapport au traducteur, et le rôle de la traduction dans la progression des évènements importants du film. Les résultats ont montré que les traducteurs sont présentés en général comme des personnes disciplinées et isolées, consacrées à leur travail, qui ont de plus, un rôle mineur dans l’histoire et peu d’impact sur le déroulement du film.
Article outline
  • 1.Introduction
  • 2.Literature review
    • 2.1Translation as a profession
    • 2.2Translator status
    • 2.3Representation of translators in the film medium
  • 3.Method
  • 4.Results
    • 4.1Identity of the translator characters
    • 4.2Socioeconomic status
    • 4.3Lifestyle and attitude
    • 4.4The attitudes of other characters towards translators
    • 4.5The role of translation in the selected films
  • 5.Discussion and conclusions
  • References
References (39)
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