Translation Studies Research Seminar Series: PhD Showcase

Abstract 

by Emma Dussouchaud-Esclamadon

Multilingual films have been a constant research theme in Film Studies (Mamula & Patti, 2016; Wahl, 2008), as well as in Audiovisual Translation (AVT) Studies (Bosseaux, 2023; Sanz Ortega, 2015; Diaz Cintas, 2011; Nornes, 2007). 

Works in AVT on the topic most often discuss practices, methods, and case studies of subtitling and dubbing multilingual films (and sometimes TV series). In parallel, many works in Translation Studies have addressed and discussed the power dynamics at play in translating minoritised and Indigenous languages into hegemonic ones such as English, French and Spanish, and endeavoured to describe and promote postcolonial translation practices (Misrahi-Barak & Srilata, 2017; Bandia, 2012; Bassnett & Trivedi, 1999; Venuti, 1998). 

Drawing on the aforementioned literature, this presentation analyses instances of partial English subtitling of Indigenous languages in Ellos Eatnu (Let the River Flow, dir. Ole Giæver, 2023), The Grizzlies (dir. Miranda de Pencier, 2018), and The Journals of Knud Rasmussen (dir. Norman Cohn & Zacharias Kunuk, 2006). 

More specifically, this presentation aims to work out what prompts the omission of English subtitles for certain scenes in an Indigenous language when they are provided for the rest of the film, as well as the effects of this sudden lack of AVT. By conducting formal analysis of specific scenes and their subtitling into English, this work seeks to highlight the disruptive potential of partial subtitling in the context of postcolonial fiction feature AVT.

About the speaker

Emma Dussouchaud-Esclamadon is a third-year Film Studies PhD scholar funded by the University of Edinburgh Doctoral College. 

Emma researches the representational dynamics of Indigenous languages in feature fiction films, and the use of these films in Indigenous language education, maintenance, and revitalisation.

Last winter, she conducted a research visit at the Sámi University of Applied Sciences (Guovdageaidnu, Sápmi, Norway) funded by the Norwegian Directorate for Higher Education and Skills. In January 2025, she will pursue her research as a Smithsonian Institution Graduate Fellow in Anthropology.

How to attend

This event is open to all, and free to attend. No registration is required for attendance in person; you can email Translation Studies colleagues for online joining details.

About the seminar series

Each semester, we welcome a fantastic range of guest speakers and colleagues to present a seminar on their work in translation.

Our seminar series is run collaboratively by staff and postgraduate students, enabling our early career researchers to build networks and experience.

Entry is free and no booking is required. Everyone is welcome.

Are you interested in Translation Studies at Edinburgh?

Providing excellent teaching and supervision, our postgraduate MSc and PhD programmes are among the UK's most comprehensive and flexible. Our expertise covers a wide range of research areas and many languages, of which you can choose to work with two.