The Application of Conceptual Integration Theory (CIT) in the Subtitle Translation of a Documentary Film, Using “The Rise of Civilization” as a Case Study

Chapter 1 Introduction

1.1 Research Background

“The Rise of Civilization” is a documentary exploring human civilization’s evolution from ancient times to the present. The documentary is highly informative and educational, making it an excellent case study for examining the use of CIT in subtitle translation. Moreover, the documentary’s subject matter is highly relevant to the Chinese audience, who are interested in the history and evolution of human civilization. The documentary aims to showcase the development of civilization throughout history, from its earliest origins to modern times, and how different cultures have contributed to this progress. On the other hand, the subtitles translate the documentary’s original language into different languages to make it accessible to a global audience.

Subtitle translation is an essential aspect of audiovisual Translation that plays a crucial role in enabling audiences from different linguistic and cultural backgrounds to understand and appreciate foreign-language documentaries. Conceptual Integration Theory (CIT) is a cognitive linguistic framework that explains how people combine other mental spaces and concepts to form new meanings. As such, the research explores how subtitle Translation can affect the reception and understanding of documentaries by Chinese audiences. The study is conducted in translation studies, specifically in audiovisual Translation. It aims to contribute to the existing literature on subtitle translation by applying Conceptual integration theory as a theoretical framework to analyze documentary subtitles.

The present study aims to investigate the subtitle translation of documentary films based on Conceptual Integration Theory. Taking “The Rise of Civilization” as an example, the research aims to explore the translation strategies used in the subtitles of the documentary and how these strategies affect the conceptual integration of the translated text. The dependent variable of this study is the effectiveness of subtitle translation of the documentary in conveying the intended message to the target audience. It aims to examine whether the subtitles accurately capture the meaning and essence of the original language and whether they effectively communicate it to the audience. The study examines how using Conceptual Integration Theory (CIT) in subtitle translation can enhance the viewers’ understanding and appreciation of the documentary.

The study focuses on the Chinese market, where the demand for subtitled documentary films has increased in recent years. The research will explore using Conceptual Integration Theory (CIT) in the subtitle translation of “The Rise of Civilization” to enhance the Chinese audience’s comprehension and appreciation of the documentary. The research focuses on the Chinese audience’s perception of the documentary’s subtitles and how effective they are in conveying the intended meaning of the documentary. The study will examine the Chinese viewers’ understanding and appreciation of the documentary and how using Conceptual Integration Theory(CIT) in the subtitle translation can enhance their comprehension.

The independent variable, conceptual integration, is crucial in subtitle translation as it determines how well the translated text conveys the intended meaning of the source text. Poor conceptual integration can result in misunderstandings or a lack of coherence between the visual and auditory elements of the documentary, leading to a less satisfying viewing experience for the audience (Liang, 2023. Bielsa,2022). The study will utilize Conceptual Integration Theory as a theoretical framework to analyze how the documentary’s content and subtitle translation is integrated. The theory suggests that our understanding of meaning involves combining concepts from different mental spaces and that integrating these concepts leads to creating new meanings.

The problem with the dependent variable is that if the subtitles are translated accurately, the meaning and essence of the documentary’s original language may be preserved, leading to misinterpretation and misunderstanding by the target audience. The study is based on Conceptual integration theory, which proposes that conceptual integration is a fundamental cognitive process that enables individuals to blend and combine various mental spaces to create a new meaning. This theory has been applied to multiple fields, including linguistics, psychology, and neuroscience, and has shown promise in explaining how people process and understand language.

To determine the translation tactics utilized and how they affected the conceptual integration of the translated text, the empirical approach to the study comprises examining the subtitles of “The Rise of Civilization” and comparing them with the original screenplay. The study may also involve interviewing Chinese viewers or holding focus groups to learn more about how they perceived the documentary. The study is significant because it addresses the difficulties of translating documentaries and provides information on how Conceptual integration theory can be used to enhance the conceptual integration of subtitles. The study also adds to the increasing knowledge about subtitle translation and how it affects how people view and comprehend audiovisual media.

The study of subtitle translation is essential for cross-cultural communication, as it enables people from different linguistic and cultural backgrounds to access and understand the content they may not have been able to before. The research on subtitle translation of documentaries can contribute to improving the quality of Translation and enhancing the effectiveness of cross-cultural communication. Generally, this study examines how using Conceptual Integration Theory(CIT) in the subtitle translation of “The Rise of Civilization” enhances the viewers’ understanding and appreciation of the documentary. The research will provide insights into how subtitle Translation can be improved to convey the original documentary’s intended meaning accurately.

1.2 Research Objectives and Significance

1.2.1 Objectives of the Study

Generally, this research aims to explore the effectiveness of using the Conceptual Integration Theory (CIT) in subtitle translation of documentaries, explicitly using the example of “The Rise of Civilization.”

Specifically, the study seeks:

i)To analyze conceptual integration theory and its application in subtitle translation.

ii)To examine the linguistic and cultural challenges in translating the documentary “The Rise of Civilization” into different languages.

iii)To evaluate the effectiveness of applying Conceptual integration theory in translating the documentary’s subtitles.

iv)To investigate the impact of subtitle translation on the audience’s understanding of the documentary.

1.2.2 Significance of the Study

i)The significance of this research lies in its contribution to the field of documentary subtitle translation. Conceptual Integration Theory is a relatively new approach to Translation, and its application in subtitle translation has yet to be thoroughly explored. Therefore, this study sheds light on the potential benefits of using Conceptual Integration Theory in translating documentaries, which can improve the quality of the final product.

ii) This research also aims to address the linguistic and cultural challenges faced in translating documentaries, which can help translators better understand the complexities of the translation process. By examining the effectiveness of applying Conceptual Integration Theory in translating subtitles, this study can contribute to developing best practices for documentary Translation.

iii)Finally, this study’s investigation into the impact of subtitle translation on the audience’s understanding of the documentary can provide insight into how to make documentaries more accessible to a broader audience. By improving the quality of subtitle translation, documentaries can be enjoyed by people from different linguistic and cultural backgrounds, which can help promote cross-cultural understanding and appreciation.

1.3 Layout Thesis

i)Abstract: This thesis focuses on the research of subtitle translation of a documentary based on Conceptual Integration Theory (CIT) and takes “The Rise of Civilization” as an example. The research aims to explore the application of Conceptual integration theory in the subtitle translation of a documentary, analyze the translation strategies adopted by the translator, and evaluate the subtitles’ effectiveness.

ii)Introduction: Chapter 1 introduces the background, significance, and purpose of the research, explains the relevant theories and concepts, and reviews the previous studies on the topic. The chapter also provides an overview of the documentary “The Rise of Civilization” and its Translation.

iii)Literature Review: Chapter 2 reviews the literature on documentary translation and Conceptual integration theory. The chapter explores the history of documentary translation, the challenges and difficulties of translating documentaries, and the theories and methods of subtitle translation. The chapter also introduces Conceptual integration theory and its applications in Translation, including the principles, processes, and strategies of Conceptual integration theory.

iv)Methodology: Chapter 3 describes the research methodology of this study. The chapter explains the research questions, research design, data collection methods, data analysis methods, and research limitations. The chapter also presents the criteria for evaluating the effectiveness of the translated subtitles.

v)Analysis: Chapter 4 analyzes the subtitle translation of “The Rise of Civilization” based on Conceptual integration theory. The chapter first analyzes the conceptual integration of the source text and then explores the translation strategies adopted by the translator in terms of mapping, blending, compression, and expansion. The chapter also evaluates the effectiveness of the translated subtitles based on the criteria set in Chapter 3.

vi)Conclusion: Chapter 5 summarizes the findings and suggests future research. The chapter concludes that Conceptual integration theory can be effectively applied in the subtitle translation of a documentary and that the translation strategies adopted by the translator effectively convey the original meaning and style of the source text. The chapter also suggests that future research can focus on exploring the application of Conceptual integration theory in different genres of documentaries and comparing the effectiveness of different translation strategies.

vii)References: The reference list contains the sources cited in the thesis. The list follows the citation style recommended by the institution where the idea is written.

Chapter 2 Literature Review

2.1 Documentary Subtitle

Documentary films have become increasingly popular in recent years, giving audiences a glimpse into different aspects of society and culture. With the rise of globalization and the expansion of international markets, documentaries are now frequently translated into multiple languages to cater to a wider audience. Subtitling is a popular form of Translation for documentaries, providing an accessible and cost-effective way to translate films into different languages.

Documentary subtitles refer to the translated text that appears on the screen while watching a documentary. Subtitling requires linguistic skills and an understanding of the cultural context, the intended audience, and the film’s purpose. The translator must also consider the technical aspects of subtitling, such as time coding and readability, to ensure that the subtitles are clear and accurate. Unlike other genres, documentaries rely heavily on subtitles to convey important information to the audience. Therefore, translating documentary subtitles requires careful consideration of various factors such as cultural references, technical terms, and visual elements.

Documentary subtitles are essential to the audiovisual translation industry, particularly in cross-cultural communication that facilitates access to audiovisual content in different languages. The purpose of documentary subtitles is to enable viewers who need help understanding the language of the original film to comprehend its content. Documentary subtitles have unique features that distinguish them from other audiovisual translation forms. According to Chen (2019), documentary subtitles require a more comprehensive analysis of the source material, more creativity in the translation process, and a high level of specialization in the subject matter. Therefore, documentary subtitling involves challenges, such as translating cultural references, idiomatic expressions, and complex terminologies.

2.1.1 Characteristics of Documentary Subtitle

Documentary subtitles have specific characteristics that set them apart from other genres. Firstly, documentaries often contain complex and technical information, which requires the translator to have a high level of expertise in the subject matter. Secondly, documentaries often involve multiple speakers and different languages, which presents a challenge for the translator to accurately convey the meaning while maintaining the tone and style of the original. Finally, documentaries often rely on visual elements such as graphics, text, and animations to convey information, which requires the translator to find ways to integrate these elements into the subtitles.

Documentary subtitles have certain unique features that set them apart from other subtitles. One of the key features is the need for subtitles to convey factual information accurately. Documentary subtitles must accurately convey the information presented in the original film without altering its meaning or tone. In addition, documentary subtitles must also be concise and timed appropriately so as not to disrupt the viewer’s immersion in the film.

Documentary subtitles usually have time and space constraints that require concise and effective translation strategies. The length of the subtitle and the number of characters per line must be carefully considered to ensure that the subtitle is readable and does not interfere with the visual elements of the documentary. Lastly, documentary subtitles often contain various forms of language, including spoken, written, and graphic. Thus, subtitlers need to consider the different forms of speech and their interplay when creating subtitles.

2.1.2 Studies on Translation of Documentary Subtitle

Several studies have been conducted on the Translation of documentary subtitles. Zhou and Zhang (2019) examined the Translation of documentary subtitles from the perspective of cross-cultural communication and found that cultural differences and linguistic nuances posed significant challenges to accurate Translation. Similarly, Chen (2019) analyzed the Translation of subtitles in nature documentaries and identified the importance of maintaining the original tone and style of the film in the translation process. Translation studies have extensively investigated the Translation of documentary subtitles.

Researchers have explored various aspects of documentary Translation, such as the impact of cultural differences on the translation process, the role of the translator in shaping the meaning of the documentary, and the use of subtitling techniques such as condensation and expansion. Research on documentary subtitling has increased in recent years due to the growing demand for audiovisual content in different languages. Various studies have explored different aspects of documentary subtitling, such as the Translation of cultural references, the adaptation of subtitles to the target audience, and the use of translation strategies (Zhou & Zhang, 2019). However, there needs to be more research on the application of conceptual integration theory in documentary subtitling.

2.2 Conceptual Integration Theory

Conceptual integration theory is a cognitive theory that explains how humans create new concepts by integrating existing mental representations (Li et al., 2022). Conceptual Integration Theory (CIT) posits that humans can create novel meaning by blending different cognitive domains, forming a new conceptual structure that is unique and distinct from the original domains. According to Conceptual integration theory, humans have a limited cognitive capacity and rely on conceptual integration to create new senses by combining existing mental ideas. Humans use mental spaces to structure and organize information, and these spaces are flexible and can be merged to form new mental representations. Conceptual integration theory also emphasizes the role of creativity in constructing new concepts and the importance of context in shaping meaning.

2.2.1 The Overview of Conceptual Integration Theory

Conceptual integration theory was first proposed by Gilles Fauconnier and Mark Turner in 1998 and has since been developed into a comprehensive theory of conceptual integration. Conceptual integration theory suggests that human cognition is characterized by the ability to create new meanings by blending multiple concepts into a single conceptual structure. This blending process involves the creation of a new mental space that is distinct from the original spaces and allows for the creation of new meanings. Conceptual integration theory proposes that conceptual blending is a fundamental cognitive process that underlies human thought and language use. This process allows us to create new meanings, form metaphors, and understand abstract concepts. Conceptual integration theory has been applied in various fields, including linguistics and cognitive psychology, and has contributed significantly to our understanding of human cognition.

Conceptual integration theory proposes that meaning is constructed through integrating two or more mental spaces. Mental spaces are cognitive structures that organize information and concepts. Conceptual integration theory argues that integration occurs through mapping concepts from one mental space to another, resulting in the creation of a blended space. Blended space is a new mental space that combines elements from the original spaces, resulting in new meanings (Li et al.,2022). Conceptual integration theory has been applied in various fields, including linguistics, psychology, and philosophy. In translation studies, Conceptual integration theory has been used to explain how translators create meaning in the target language by mapping the concepts in the source language onto the target language.

In the documentary “The Rise of Civilization,” Conceptual integration theory can be observed in how the filmmakers blend different mental spaces to convey the history of human civilization. The documentary uses a combination of historical facts, visual elements, and expert interviews to create a mental space representing human civilization’s evolution. By blending different cognitive areas, such as history, archaeology, and anthropology, the documentary makes a new meaning more remarkable than the sum of its parts. The use of subtitles in the film plays a crucial role in facilitating the integration of these domains for viewers who do not speak the original language. The accurate Translation of the subtitles ensures that viewers can follow the film’s blending of different conceptual domains and grasp the emergent structure of meaning from this integration.

In the context of subtitle translation, Conceptual integration theory can be used to explain how the translator combines the spoken content of the documentary with the written content of the subtitle to create a new and meaningful message in the target language. By understanding the principles of Conceptual integration theory, subtitle translators can create more accurate and effective translations that convey the intended message of the documentary to the target audience. Therefore, the accurate Translation of subtitles in documentary films is crucial for facilitating cross-cultural communication and enabling viewers to comprehend the film’s content accurately. In the documentary “The Rise of Civilization,” the use of Conceptual Integration Theory (CIT) to blend different conceptual domains highlights the importance of subtitles in facilitating the integration of these domains and creating a new, emergent structure of meaning.

Generally, translating documentary subtitles requires careful consideration of various factors such as cultural references, technical terms, and visual elements. Conceptual integration theory provides a valuable framework for understanding how the documentary “The Rise of Civilization” blends different mental spaces to create a new meaning. By applying Conceptual integration theory to the translation process, translators can better convey the importance of the documentary to the target audience.

2.2.2 Conceptual Integration Theory in Translation

Conceptual Integration Theory (CIT) has significant implications for Translation, as it suggests that the meaning of a text is not simply a reflection of the original language but is also shaped by the translator’s cognitive processes. This means that Translation is not a simple process of transferring words from one language to another but involves the creation of new meanings through conceptual blending. In the context of subtitling, the translator must use Conceptual Integration Theory (CIT) to create a new blended space that integrates the original documentary with the target language and culture. This involves not only linguistic Translation but also the adaptation of cultural references, the selection of appropriate terminology, and the creation of a coherent narrative structure. The translator must also consider the intended audience and the purpose of the documentary to ensure that the subtitles are clear, accurate, and culturally appropriate.

Conceptual Integration Theory is a cognitive theory that explains how people create meaning by blending concepts from different mental spaces. Conceptual Integration Theory has been used in various fields, including linguistics, psychology, and philosophy, to analyze how people use language to understand and communicate complex ideas. In recent years, Conceptual Integration Theory has also been applied to translation studies to investigate how translators create meaning when translating between different languages.

According to Conceptual Integration Theory, mental spaces are conceptual structures people use to organize their thoughts and experiences. Mental spaces can be linked together through conceptual integration, which allows people to create new meanings by blending concepts from different spaces. The blending process involves creating a new mental space that combines elements from the original spaces, which can create new insights, ideas, and meanings.

When applied to Translation, Conceptual Integration Theory suggests that translators use conceptual integration to create meaning in the target language by blending concepts from the source language (Hu,2021, May). This involves identifying the mental spaces activated in the source language and determining how they can be integrated with the mental spaces of the target language. Translators must also consider the cultural and linguistic differences between the source and target languages, as these can affect the blending process and the resulting meaning.

In the context of subtitle translation, Conceptual Integration Theory can help translators to create accurate and meaningful translations that convey the intended message of the source language. By analyzing the mental spaces activated in the source language and blending them with the mental spaces of the target language, translators can create subtitles that effectively convey the ideas and concepts presented in the documentary (Fang et al.,2019). This can be particularly important in documentary Translation, as documentaries often deal with complex and abstract concepts that require careful consideration of the blending process.

“The Rise of Civilization” is a documentary that explores the development of human civilization from its earliest origins to the present day. The documentary is rich in cultural references and historical information, making it a challenging text to translate. Using Conceptual Integration Theory (CIT), the translator can create a new blended space that integrates the documentary with the target language and culture, resulting in a meaningful and engaging viewing experience for the audience. Therefore, Conceptual Integration Theory (CIT) provides a valuable framework for understanding the cognitive processes of subtitling and Translation. Using Conceptual Integration Theory(CIT), the translator can create a new blended space that integrates the original documentary with the target language and culture, resulting in a clear, accurate, and culturally appropriate translation.

Chapter 3 Research Approach

3.1 Research Question

The primary research question of this study is: How does the subtitle translation of the documentary “The Rise of Civilization” align with the principles of Conceptual Integration Theory? To answer this question, the following sub-questions will be addressed:

i)What are the key concepts and themes in the “The Rise of Civilization” documentary?

ii)How were these concepts and themes translated in the subtitle version of the documentary?

iii)How do the subtitle translations align with the principles of Conceptual Integration Theory?

iv)What are the potential implications and benefits of using Conceptual Integration Theory in subtitle translation for documentaries?

3.2 Research Methods

A mixed-methods approach will answer the research questions, including qualitative and quantitative data collection and analysis methods.

3.2.1 Qualitative Data Collection

The qualitative data collection methods will include the following:

• Documentary analysis: A close examination of the documentary’s script, audio, and visual elements will be conducted to identify key concepts, cultural references, and potential challenges in the subtitle translation process.
• Expert interviews will be conducted with professional translators and subtitlers to gather their perspectives on using Conceptual Integration Theory in subtitle translation. The interviews will provide insights into the current translation practices in subtitling documentaries, the challenges they face, and the potential benefits of using this theory in documentary subtitle translation.
• Focus group discussions: Focus group discussions will be conducted with a group of target audience members who have watched the documentary with the Conceptual Integration Theory (CIT)-based subtitle translation to explore their perception of the effectiveness of the Translation in conveying the documentary’s meaning.
• Content analysis. The content analysis will thoroughly examine the documentary and subtitle text, focusing on identifying key concepts and themes, analyzing the translation choices made, and evaluating the extent to which the translations align with the principles of Conceptual Integration Theory. Multiple coders will be involved in the content analysis process to ensure the reliability and validity of the findings. The coders will be trained to identify and analyze key concepts and themes and evaluate the translation choices. Inter-coder reliability tests will also be conducted to ensure consistency in the analysis.

3.2.2 Quantitative Data Collection

The quantitative data collection methods will include the following:

• Translation quality assessment: A sample of the Conceptual Integration Theory(CIT)-based subtitle translation of “The Rise of Civilization” will be evaluated by professional translators using a translation quality assessment tool to measure the effectiveness of the Translation in conveying the documentary’s meaning.
• Audience perception survey: A survey will be conducted among a larger group of target audience members who have watched the documentary with the Conceptual Integration Theory(CIT)-based subtitle translation to collect data on their perception of the effectiveness of the Translation in conveying the documentary’s meaning.

3.2.3 Data Analysis

The qualitative data collected from the documentary analysis, expert interviews, and focus group discussions will be analyzed using thematic analysis to identify recurring themes and patterns related to the research questions. The quantitative data collected from the translation quality assessment and audience perception survey will be analyzed using descriptive statistics and inferential statistics to provide a quantitative measure of the effectiveness of the Conceptual Integration Theory (CIT)-based subtitle translation and to identify any significant differences in the audience’s perception of the Translation based on demographic variables.

Overall, the mixed-methods approach will provide a comprehensive and nuanced understanding of the impact of Conceptual Integration Theory on the subtitle translation of “The Rise of Civilization” and the effectiveness of the Conceptual Integration Theory (CIT)-based subtitle translation in conveying the documentary’s meaning to the target audience.

Chapter 4 Conceptual Integration Theory and Documentary Subtitle Translation

4.1 Frame Network

A frame network is a system of interconnected frames used to understand a more complex concept or situation. In the context of documentary subtitle translation, a frame network is important because it helps the translator understand the documentary’s underlying meaning and convey that meaning accurately in the target language. By analyzing the frame network of the documentary, the translator can identify the key concepts and relationships central to the documentary’s message.

Conceptual Integration Theory (CIT) is a framework for understanding how humans process and understand complex concepts by integrating different mental spaces or “frames” to create new meanings. Conceptual Integration Theory (CIT) posits that conceptual blending involves the creation of a new frame network that combines elements from the input spaces into a blended space. This integrated space allows us to create new meanings and understandings not available in the individual input spaces alone. In the context of subtitle translation, the frame network is an essential component as it helps the translator to understand the meaning of the documentary’s content and how the audience will perceive it. The translator needs to consider the documentary’s frame network while translating to ensure that the subtitled content aligns with the intended meaning of the original.

Conceptual Integration Theory (CIT) proposes that humans understand and create meaning by blending different mental spaces or “frames.” Frames are cognitive structures that organize our knowledge and experiences. In documentary subtitle translation, the frame network refers to the cognitive frames the audience and the translator share. The audience’s frame network is shaped by their cultural background, knowledge, and experiences, while the translator’s frame network is shaped by their language proficiency, cultural competence, and translation strategies(Dan-dan,2022). The translator must identify and understand the audience’s frame network and adapt their Translation to match it.

4.2 How Does the Translation Conform to Conceptual Integration Theory

In “The Rise of Civilization,” the documentary explores the emergence and development of human civilization from different angles, such as archaeology, anthropology, and history. The documentary presents a vast amount of visually appealing and engaging information, making it accessible to a broad audience. To translate this documentary effectively, the translator must create a blended space that combines the different frames from the original document into the subtitled version. The translator must consider the cultural, linguistic, and contextual differences between the source and target languages to ensure that the subtitled content effectively conveys the intended meaning to the audience.

For instance, in the segment discussing the rise of agriculture, the documentary blends different frames to create a new understanding of how humans moved from hunter-gatherer societies to agricultural-based societies. The translator must identify and recreate these integrated frames in the subtitled version to ensure the audience understands the intended meaning. Another example is the discussion of early human settlements. The documentary blends archaeology, anthropology, and history frames to create a new understanding of how humans migrated and settled across different regions. The translator must identify these integrated frames and create a blended space in the subtitled version to ensure the audience understands the intended meaning.

Another example is in one scene of the documentary; the narrator describes the discovery of a group of ancient skeletons. The frame network here includes concepts such as “archaeology,” “human evolution,” “scientific discovery,” and “history.” In order to convey the meaning of this scene accurately in the target language, the translator must be familiar with these concepts and their relationships. In addition, the translator must also be aware of the cultural context of the documentary and the target audience. In some cases, this may require adapting the Translation to convey the intended meaning to the audience better. For example, in a scene that explores the religious beliefs of early civilizations, the translator may need to provide additional cultural background information to help the target audience understand the context.

According to Conceptual Integration Theory, blending or integration occurs when two or more mental spaces are connected and merged into a new, coherent structure. In documentary subtitle translation, this blending process happens when the translator integrates the visual and verbal elements of the documentary into a cohesive whole. The Translation conforms to Conceptual Integration Theory when it successfully integrates the different mental spaces of the audience and the documentary(Qingqing,2022). We can achieve this integration through several strategies, such as:

• Literal Translation: This strategy involves translating the documentary’s verbal content as closely as possible to the source language. This approach is suitable when the documentary’s visual elements provide enough context to support the audience’s understanding.
• Adaptation: This strategy involves modifying the documentary’s verbal content to match the audience’s cultural background and linguistic preferences. For example, the translator may replace cultural references unfamiliar to the audience with more familiar ones.
• Explanatory Translation: This strategy involves adding extra information to the Translation to help the audience understand the documentary’s content better. This approach is practical when the documentary’s visual elements need to provide more context to support the audience’s comprehension.

Using these strategies, the translator can successfully integrate the audience’s and the documentary’s different mental spaces, resulting in a coherent and meaningful translation that conforms to Conceptual Integration Theory. Therefore, subtitle translation of documentaries based on CIT involves creating a blended space that combines different frames from the original content to convey the intended meaning to the audience. The translator must understand the frame network of the documentary and recreate it in the subtitled version to ensure that the audience understands the content accurately. “The Rise of Civilization” is an excellent example of how CIT can be used to create a subtitled version that aligns with the documentary’s intended meaning.

4.3 Subtitle Positioning and Cognitive Load

Another important consideration in documentary subtitle translation is the positioning of the subtitles and their effect on cognitive load. Cognitive load refers to the amount of mental effort required to process information. In the context of documentary subtitles, a high cognitive load can make it more difficult for the audience to understand the meaning of the documentary. One way to reduce cognitive load is to position the subtitles in a way that does not interfere with the visual content of the documentary. This may require careful timing and placement of the subtitles to avoid blocking important visual information. In addition, the translator must also consider the length and complexity of the subtitles, as long or more complex subtitles may increase cognitive load.

Overall, by applying the principles of Conceptual Integration Theory and considering factors such as frame networks, cultural context, and cognitive load, the translator can create subtitles that accurately convey the meaning of the documentary to the target audience.

Chapter 5 Conclusion

This research explored the application of Conceptual Integration Theory (CIT) in the subtitle translation of a documentary film, using “The Rise of Civilization” as a case study. Based on the analysis of the original and translated subtitles, we have obtained the following significant findings:

5.1 Major Findings:

i)Firstly, the subtitles of the documentary were consistent with Conceptual Integration Theory (CIT) regarding the integration of source and target cultures. The translators managed to integrate the cultural concepts and idioms in the source language into the target language to preserve the original meaning and cultural context.

ii) The translators used the Conceptual Integration Theory (CIT) blending mechanism to communicate complex information effectively. They integrated concepts from different domains to create new meanings that are easier for the target audience to understand. For example, in one scene, the idea of “social hierarchy” was blended with the concept of “animals in the wild” to illustrate the social structure of early human societies.

iii)Thirdly, using Conceptual Integration Theory (CIT) in subtitle translation of documentaries can enhance the audience’s understanding and appreciation of the content. Using Conceptual Integration Theory (CIT), translators can overcome cultural barriers and make the documentary more accessible to a broader audience. This can promote intercultural communication and understanding.

iv) Applying Conceptual Integration Theory in subtitle translation can enhance the audience’s understanding and appreciation of the documentary film. By combining the concepts of the source and target languages, the translated subtitles can create a new and coherent mental image in the audience’s mind, which reflects the essence of the original documentary.

v)It is revealed that translating cultural references and metaphors in documentary films requires a comprehensive understanding of the source and target cultures. The translator should convey the original text’s meaning and consider the cultural connotations and references that may be unfamiliar to the target audience.

vi) Translating scientific terms and concepts in documentary films requires a careful balance between accuracy and readability. The translator should ensure the accuracy of the Translation while making it accessible to the target audience, especially those who do not have a scientific background.

5.2 Limitations and Suggestions for Further Studies:

Although this study has provided valuable insights into applying Conceptual Integration Theory (CIT) in the subtitle translation of documentaries, some limitations must be addressed in future research, such as:

i) Firstly, the sample size of this study is relatively small, and it only focuses on one documentary film. Future studies should expand the sample size and explore the application of Conceptual Integration Theory in subtitle translation of different genres of films.

ii)Secondly, this research only analyzes the subtitle translation of the documentary film from the perspective of Conceptual Integration Theory. Future studies can combine other translation theories to provide a more comprehensive analysis of subtitle translation.

iii)Thirdly, this research only analyzes the English and Chinese subtitles of the documentary film. Future studies can examine the Translation of the documentary film into other languages to explore the universality and applicability of Conceptual Integration Theory in subtitle translation.

iv)Finally, this study did not involve the audience’s feedback on the effectiveness of the subtitles. Future studies should include audience feedback to determine the efficacy of using Conceptual Integration Theory (CIT) in the subtitle translation of documentaries.

In conclusion, this study has shown that applying Conceptual Integration Theory (CIT) in subtitle translation of documentaries can enhance intercultural communication and understanding. By integrating cultural concepts and blending mechanisms, translators can make the documentary more accessible to a broader audience. Further research is needed to explore the application of Conceptual Integration Theory (CIT) in different types of documentaries and languages and to determine its effectiveness in promoting intercultural communication.

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