PUNCTUATION IN SUBTITLING: A STUDY OF IGBO NOLLYWOOD FILMS

Abstract

Subtitling, a key component of audiovisual translation (AVT), replaces spoken dialogue with on-screen text, making films accessible to non-Igbo speakers and the hearing impaired. This study examines punctuation in the subtitling of Igbo Nollywood films, focusing on errors, stylistic accuracy, and potential cultural misrepresentation. The study analyses two Igbo films, Ònyé bù ńnà ḿ and Ákà ázú dì yá, using Gotlieb’s subtitling strategies and Toury’s descriptive translation theory as the theoretical framework. Findings indicate that punctuation significantly enhances subtitle readability and audience comprehension. Improper punctuation alters meaning, leading to misinterpretation of dialogue and narrative intent. The study highlights common errors such as missing commas, incorrect capitalization, and misplaced punctuation marks, all of which affect the effectiveness of subtitles. However, despite these issues, the study finds no evidence that punctuation errors contribute to a misrepresentation of Igbo culture in Nollywood films. Given the importance of accurate subtitling, the study recommends that media outlets assess the proficiency of subtitlers within their organizations and implement quality control measures. Proper punctuation in subtitles ensures that meaning is preserved and that Igbo Nollywood films effectively communicate with a broader audience. The study concludes that failure to apply correct punctuation results in loss of meaning, affecting the overall viewer experience. By addressing these challenges, Nollywood can improve its global reach and linguistic accuracy in film translation.