History of Subtitles explores the fascinating and often overlooked story of how subtitles and dubbing have shaped global cinema. Beyond mere translation, these linguistic tools have fostered cultural exchange and influenced how audiences engage with foreign films. Early silent films relied on intertitles to convey dialogue, a practice that evolved with technological advancements. The book highlights the tensions between artistic integrity and accessibility, examining how dubbing can alter a film's original intent to suit different cultural norms, while subtitling aims to bridge linguistic gaps without compromising the source material.
The book progresses chronologically, tracing the evolution of subtitling from the intertitles of silent films to modern digital practices in the streaming era. It delves into the rise of global film markets in the mid-20th century, which spurred the development of efficient subtitling techniques. By drawing on archival materials, film reviews, and insights from translation studies, the book reveals how subtitles empower filmmakers to reach wider audiences and also reflect cultural and linguistic power dynamics, impacting language learning and intercultural understanding.
