Understanding Pragmatic Failure

Oct 13, 2025 by vinooalluri.com 115 views

Introduction

The film Moonlight has been widely acclaimed for its poignant portrayal of a young boy's journey to self-discovery and acceptance. However, despite its critical success, the film's subtitles have been criticized for their pragmatic failures, which can lead to misunderstandings among the audience. This study aims to examine the types of pragmatic failures that can occur in film subtitles, explain the causes of these failures, and provide recommendations for overcoming them.

Understanding Pragmatic Failure

Pragmatic failure in the context of translation refers to the failure to convey the intended meaning of a message due to errors in language use or cultural understanding. In the context of film subtitles, pragmatic failure can occur when the subtitles fail to accurately convey the nuances of the dialogue, leading to misunderstandings among the audience. Pragmatic failure can be divided into two main categories: pragmalinguistic failures and sociopragmatic failures.

Pragmalinguistic Failures

Pragmalinguistic failures occur when there are errors in transferring speech acts and deixis from oral speech into the subtitles. Speech acts refer to the actions that are performed through language, such as requesting or promising. Deixis refers to the use of language to point to or refer to something in the environment. To analyze pragmalinguistic failures, we can draw on the theory of speech acts put forward by John Searle, as well as the Deixis theory according to Stephen Levinson.

For example, in the film Moonlight, there is a scene where the main character, Chiron, is talking to his mother about his father's absence. In the original dialogue, Chiron says, "My dad's not around." However, in the subtitles, this is translated as "My dad is not here." This is an example of a pragmalinguistic failure, as the subtitles fail to convey the nuances of the original dialogue.

Sociopragmatic Failures

Sociopragmatic failures occur when the principle of cooperation from oral speech is not successfully translated into the subtitles. The principle of cooperation refers to the idea that speakers should cooperate with each other to achieve a common goal. In the context of film subtitles, sociopragmatic failures can occur when the subtitles fail to convey the social and cultural nuances of the dialogue, leading to misunderstandings among the audience.

For example, in the film Moonlight, there is a scene where Chiron is talking to his friend, Kevin, about his feelings of isolation and loneliness. In the original dialogue, Chiron says, "I feel like I'm the only one who's going through this." However, in the subtitles, this is translated as "I feel like I'm the only one who's suffering." This is an example of a sociopragmatic failure, as the subtitles fail to convey the social and cultural nuances of the original dialogue.

Causes of Pragmatic Failure

The main cause of pragmatic failure in film subtitles is the lack of pragmatic knowledge related to the original language, the existence of differences in culture and the context of the state, as well as differences in the style of conversation. This difference has the potential to create a misunderstanding, where the audience may not fully capture the intent or nuance of the dialogue delivered.

Lack of Pragmatic Knowledge

The lack of pragmatic knowledge related to the original language is a major cause of pragmatic failure in film subtitles. Pragmatic knowledge refers to the understanding of how language is used in context to convey meaning. In the context of film subtitles, pragmatic knowledge is essential for accurately conveying the nuances of the dialogue.

Differences in Culture and Context

Differences in culture and context can also lead to pragmatic failure in film subtitles. Culture and context play a significant role in shaping the way language is used, and subtitles that fail to take these differences into account can lead to misunderstandings among the audience.

Differences in Style of Conversation

Differences in the style of conversation can also lead to pragmatic failure in film subtitles. The style of conversation can vary greatly depending on the culture and context, and subtitles that fail to convey these nuances can lead to misunderstandings among the audience.

Overcoming Pragmatic Failure

There are several ways to overcome pragmatic failure in film subtitles. One way is to increase awareness of culture and the context of the target language. In-depth studies of the linguistic aspects contained in the language are also very necessary.

Increasing Awareness of Culture and Context

Increasing awareness of culture and context is essential for accurately conveying the nuances of the dialogue in film subtitles. This can be achieved through in-depth studies of the linguistic aspects contained in the language, as well as through cultural and contextual analysis.

Revising Existing Subtitles

Revising existing subtitles is also essential for overcoming pragmatic failure. This can involve revising the subtitles to be more in line with the context of culture and linguistics.

Conclusion

Pragmatic failure in film subtitles can lead to misunderstandings among the audience, and can undermine the effectiveness of the film. By understanding the types of pragmatic failures that can occur, explaining the causes of these failures, and providing recommendations for overcoming them, we can create more accurate and effective film subtitles. Through a better understanding of this pragmatic failure, it is hoped that the subtitles in the film Moonlight can provide a better watching experience and avoid misunderstanding among the audience.

Introduction

In our previous article, we discussed the concept of pragmatic failure in film subtitles and its potential to lead to misunderstandings among the audience. In this article, we will answer some of the most frequently asked questions about pragmatic failure in film subtitles.

Q: What is pragmatic failure in film subtitles?

A: Pragmatic failure in film subtitles refers to the failure to convey the intended meaning of a message due to errors in language use or cultural understanding. This can occur when the subtitles fail to accurately convey the nuances of the dialogue, leading to misunderstandings among the audience.

Q: What are the causes of pragmatic failure in film subtitles?

A: The main causes of pragmatic failure in film subtitles are the lack of pragmatic knowledge related to the original language, the existence of differences in culture and the context of the state, as well as differences in the style of conversation.

Q: How can pragmatic failure in film subtitles be overcome?

A: Pragmatic failure in film subtitles can be overcome by increasing awareness of culture and the context of the target language, revising existing subtitles to be more in line with the context of culture and linguistics, and conducting in-depth studies of the linguistic aspects contained in the language.

Q: What is the importance of pragmatic knowledge in film subtitles?

A: Pragmatic knowledge is essential for accurately conveying the nuances of the dialogue in film subtitles. It refers to the understanding of how language is used in context to convey meaning.

Q: How can film subtitles be made more accurate and effective?

A: Film subtitles can be made more accurate and effective by using a combination of human and machine translation, conducting thorough research on the target language and culture, and revising existing subtitles to be more in line with the context of culture and linguistics.

Q: What are the consequences of pragmatic failure in film subtitles?

A: The consequences of pragmatic failure in film subtitles can be severe, including misunderstandings among the audience, loss of cultural context, and damage to the reputation of the film.

Q: How can film producers and distributors ensure that their subtitles are accurate and effective?

A: Film producers and distributors can ensure that their subtitles are accurate and effective by working with experienced translators and subtitlers, conducting thorough research on the target language and culture, and revising existing subtitles to be more in line with the context of culture and linguistics.

Q: What is the role of technology in overcoming pragmatic failure in film subtitles?

A: Technology can play a significant role in overcoming pragmatic failure in film subtitles by providing tools and resources for translators and subtitlers to improve their accuracy and effectiveness.

Q: How can audiences help to overcome pragmatic failure in film subtitles?

A: Audiences can help to overcome pragmatic failure in film subtitles by being aware of the potential for misunderstandings and by seeking out additional information about the film and its cultural context.

Conclusion

Pragmatic failure in film subtitles is a complex issue that requires a comprehensive approach to overcome. By understanding the causes of pragmatic failure, increasing awareness of culture and the context of the target language, and revising existing subtitles to be more in line with the context of culture and linguistics, we can create more accurate and effective film subtitles.