Analyzing the Reasons for the Popularity of Subtitle Translation in China from the Perspective of Media Translation

Abstract

This thesis takes the wide use of Chinese subtitle translation as the research ob-ject, based on the theory of media translation, and explores the multiple reasons for its popularity in China. Firstly, starting from the development history of me-dia technology, this paper analyzes the advantages of subtitles in terms of pro-duction cycle, cost control, cross-platform adaptability, etc., and how to gradu-ally replace dubbing and become the mainstream form of film and television translation. Secondly, the paper deeply analyzes the unique value of subtitles in handling cultural-specific references (CSR), emphasizing that they enhance the audience's cross-cultural understanding ability through means such as annota-tions and semantic expansion. In addition, the paper also combines national language policies, the educational background of the audience, and the algorith-mic recommendation mechanism of Internet platforms, pointing out that the popularity of subtitles is not only the result of the promotion of technology and communication demands, but also closely related to the cultural identity, lan-guage ability and acceptance habits of contemporary Chinese audiences. By an-alyzing subtitle group culture, the viewing preferences of "original audio + sub-titles", and the role of subtitles in language learning, this paper holds that subti-tles have evolved from a single language conversion tool into a multi-functional medium integrating information transmission, cultural construction, and audi-ence participation. The paper ultimately points out that the wide application of subtitle translation in China is a reasonable product of the combined effect of technological change, policy guidance and cultural psychology, and also pro-vides more possibilities for future cross-cultural communication.