A Three-Dimensional Transformation Analysis of the English Subtitles of Ne Zha 2 from the Perspective of Eco-Translatology

Abstract

Grounded in the “three-dimensional” transformation framework of Eco-Translatology, and drawing on the Bilibili-release English subtitles of Ne Zha 2 as the corpus, this study examined the translator’s mechanisms of adaptation and selection across the linguistic, cultural, and communicative dimensions. The findings indicate that the linguistic dimension saw the translator restructuring Chinese paratactic flowing sentences through syntactic reorganization and colloquial transposition, though the regional markers of the dialect were not retained; the cultural dimension witnessed the translator adopting literal translation with a foreignizing orientation for core terminologies and employing contextual replacement for culture-loaded expressions, yet with a partial diminishment of the philosophical depth of the ethics of spiritual cultivation (xiuxian); and the communicative dimension involved the translator transforming Chinese philosophical discourse into an action logic of “individual survival—self-actualization—world-changing,” thereby achieving cross-cultural emotional resonance. The three dimensions demonstrate a coordinated relationship, with communicative intent taking precedence when conflicts arise. This study offered a methodological reference for the subtitling of Chinese animated films from the perspective of Eco-Translatology.