The Application of Functional Equivalence Theory in Russian Movie Subtitle Translation —Using I am Dragon as an Example

Tingyu Mi

doi:10.54254/2753-7064/2025.HT28569

Communications in Humanities ResearchOpen access

The Application of Functional Equivalence Theory in Russian Movie Subtitle Translation —Using I am Dragon as an Example

Research Article

Open Access

The Application of Functional Equivalence Theory in Russian Movie Subtitle Translation —Using I am Dragon as an Example

Tingyu Mi ^1*

¹ Beijing Normal University

^*Corresponding author: 202311100015@mail.bnu.edu.cn

Published on 28 October 2025

CHR Vol.93

ISSN (Print): 2753-7072

ISSN (Online): 2753-7064

ISBN (Print): 978-1-80590-483-0

ISBN (Online): 978-1-80590-484-7

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Abstract

Film subtitle translation serves as a crucial vehicle for cross-cultural communication. High-quality subtitle translation plays a vital role in the dissemination of Russian culture. This study explores the application of Functional Equivalence Theory in the English subtitle translation of the Russian film I am Dragon, using official subtitles as reference material. The main object of the study is to analyze Russian-English subtitles through a multidimensional analysis—semantic, stylistic, and cultural and to solve the problem of English subtitle translation in the Russian film industry. The research finds that problems like cultural gaps, grammatical information loss in translation can be effectively mitigated through strategies such as semantic amplification, stylistic rhetoric retention, and cultural concept reconstruction guided by the theory. These approaches help the translated subtitles stay closer to the original in meaning and style, enabling target audiences to achieve a viewing experience and understanding analogous to native Russian viewers. This study provides practical methodological support for enhancing Russian film subtitle translation quality and promoting Russian cultural export via cinematic art.

Keywords:

Functional Equivalence Theory, Russian-English subtitle translation, Russian film, I am Dragon

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