'Give a hoot, don't pollute’ – ‘Si bebes no conduzcas’: Translation techniques in the american TV show "Two and a half men"

Abstract

The present study provides real evidence on how manifold techniques are used during any translation process to avoid possible misinterpretations of meaning among the intended target audience. Knowing how to use translation techniques is a crucial factor in the translation process, since translation problems are likely to arise regardless the translator’s expertise on the subject matter due to the unique manner in which each language system operates. The classification of translation techniques chosen to be followed in order to implement the study presented in this article is the one identified by Molina and Hurtado Albir (2012). Concerning the object of study, ten episodes of the American TV show Two and a Half Men are compared in their English and Spanish versions in order to find clear examples of each one of the translation techniques distinguished by Molina and Hurtado Albir (2012). Aiming at a clear understanding of the examples provided, one or two examples of each one of the translation techniques analyzed are further explained in the discussion part. Apart from translation techniques, several aspects involved in the translation process are briefly introduced and explained at the beginning of this article.