Contemporary global media circulation based on fan translation: a particular case of Thai fansubbing
Wongseree, Thandao, O'Hagan, MinakoORCID: 0000-0003-0870-0725 and Sasamoto, RyokoORCID: 0000-0002-1644-6897
(2019)
Contemporary global media circulation based on fan translation: a particular case of Thai fansubbing.
Discourse, Context and Media, 32
.
pp. 1-9.
ISSN 2211-6958
This article argues that fan translation serves as a contemporary, alternative mechanism for the
circulation of global media texts. By focusing on the fan subtitling practice in the case of Thai
fansubbing of a Korean TV programme, we observe unique ways in which fans exploit semiotic
resources to produce fansubs in relation to professional subtitling norms. For example, novel
features of fansubs include the treatment of “impact captions” prevalent on Korean TV which are
typically untranslated in official Thai translations as these captions are not common in Thailand.
Using Actor Network Theory (ANT) as a framework, we analyse survey and interview data collected
from Thai fansubbing communities of the Korean TV show Running Man ([Author] 2018). The data
indicate the close interrelationship which seems to develop between fansubbers and “nontranslating” members of fan communities. The previously less recognised importance of such an
inter-dependency points to the building of trust, especially epistemic trust, which underlies
fansubbing practices. We thus argue that this modern alternative circulation mechanism for global
media texts can be characterised by the particular way fans exploit semiotic resources and the way
in which it is supported by epistemic trust within the fan community.
Metadata
Item Type:
Article (Published)
Refereed:
Yes
Additional Information:
Article number: 100330
Uncontrolled Keywords:
Fan translation; Fansub;Thai fans;Trust; Epistemic trust; Actor Network Theory