CULTURAL RESONANCE IN TRANSLATION: SUBTITLING AND DUBBING THE LION KING INTO ARABIC

Abstract

This research examines the subtitling and dubbing of The Lion King's animated film, focusing on how cultural references (CRs) are translated into Arabic. It compares the subtitled version in Modern Standard Arabic (MSA) with the dubbed version in Egyptian Vernacular Arabic (EVA). Using Göte Klingberg's (1986) theoretical framework, the study analyzes the strategies used to translate all CRs identified in the original script. Using a mixed-methods approach that combines quantitative and qualitative research methods to assess the effectiveness of these strategies in cultural translation, enhancing our understanding of the subtitling and dubbing processes. The subtitled version tends to rely on simplification and direct translation; while it preserves basic meaning, it tends to lose dramatic intensity, humor, and emotional nuance. In contrast, the dubbed version emphasizes localization and substitution, preserving meaning while enhancing cultural relevance, humor, and dramatic impact.

Date of Award	2025
Original language	American English
Awarding Institution	HBKU College of Humanities and Social Science