Translation strategies and narrowcasting platforms: subtitling taboo language in Portuguese and Brazilian TV series

Abstract

Taboo language, as a field of research, was for a long time a neglected area, and it was only from the 1960s onwards that an ever greater interest was observed and produced in a series of publications. In terms of audiovisual translation of taboo words, it is important to note that only recently have new translation strategies been introduced in dubbing and subtitling, moving beyond omission or euphemisms (primarily on streaming platforms). Furthermore, audiovisual translation of cursing has become a subject of scientific studies and research that consider the translation process and how the target audience receives it. In this regard, this article aims to analyse the forms of taboo language recorded in the filmic speech of Portuguese and Brazilian series and in intralingual subtitles (EP and BP), and their translation in Italian and English subtitles, through sociolinguistic translation strategies of adequacy that can oscillate between the poles of manipulation and maintenance.

Keywords
audiovisual translation; subtitling; fictional genres; filmic speech; translation strategies