Abstract:

This study discusses the relationship between cultural factors and the translation of film title. According to the different translation methods such as transliteration, literal translation and free translation, and under the guidance of the Newmark’s theory which includes semantic translation and communicative translation method, the author discusses how to translate the film title in a better way in the consideration of the culture and background involved. A spectacular version of film title should cater a lot to the charm of the film and can be seen as a finishing touch and plays a vital part in introducing a new film. Besides, it not only is in accord with the country’s cultural needs, highlights the film content and conveys the thematic information, but also plays an important role in attracting audience and increasing the box office revenue. 

Key words: cultural factors; film title; Newmark’s theory; translation methods

摘要：

本文讨论了文化因素与电影片名翻译之间的联系。笔者根据音译、直译和意译等不同的翻译方法，以纽马克的语义翻译和交际翻译理论为指导，探讨如何根据电影发生的文化和时代背景来更好地翻译电影片名。翻译后的电影片名对于电影本身往往能够起到画龙点睛的作用，不仅在符合本国的文化需求，突显影片内容，传达主题信息的方面，还在吸引观众，增加票房方面起到重要的作用。

关键词：文化因素；电影片名；纽马克理论；翻译方法

1 Introduction
The title is the window to the film. According to The Complete Dictionary (2003)1, the title means any words that appear on the screen not as part of the scene but as a means of conveying information to the audience. This paper discusses the relationship between cultural factors and the translation of film title.
With the popularization of English throughout the world, English become the main language of broadcasting film among different nations. At the same time, film title is not only the concentration of text and soul, but also the sign of its theme, plot, style, and narration. So, it is a big challenge to translate the film title successfully in various kinds of language. A spectacular version should cater a lot to the charm of the film and plays a vital part in introducing a new film. For the foreign audiences and Chinese audiences’ better understanding, accurate and precise language-exchange between china and western countries and the implications of the film should be expressed exactly (Shi Jia: 2013).
Moreover, as a form of spreading comprehensive culture, films interrelate with historic culture closely, have connection with natural expression, and satisfy audience’s psychological needs and aesthetic mentality. In short, as for audience to comprehend the film title, cultural factors should be the immediate cause of understanding and grasping the implications of film context, and the primary cause of translating film title successfully.