BBC Sherlock Fan Forum - Serving Sherlockians since February 2012 / Seminar paper on Sherlock

**Posted by Pav** April 29, 2014 7:57 pm

I've chosen the best topic for my English lexicology seminar paper. I will compare the translations (official and unofficial Czech subtitles) with English original. I can choose one extract and compare the versions generally or I can choose one problematic aspect, for example language humour, and choose individual lines from all six episodes (no official subtitles for Series 3 yet). So I have a dilemma... If I choose the first option, how will I decide which extract? And if I choose language related problems (I can't think of any other aspects), will it be enough to write 15 pages? Nevertheless, I'm super excited!

**Posted by Harriet** April 29, 2014 8:03 pm

That's great news, Pav! I'm not sure, do you want us discuss your options? Or rather sharing your excitement?

**Posted by Pav** April 29, 2014 8:12 pm

Both I would love to hear your ideas.

**Posted by Harriet** April 29, 2014 8:24 pm

15 pages altogether, I had to smile - did you check the german air date thread? I wonder if 15 pages will be enough ...

How much time do you have for your decision?

**Posted by SolarSystem** April 29, 2014 8:37 pm

Pav, I think I would go for the second option - but of course that decision would be related to the problems I see with the German translation. I have no idea if the Czech subtitles involve similar problems.
But I agree with Harriet, if the German dubbing is anything to go by, it won't be a problem to fill 15 pages.

**Posted by Pav** April 29, 2014 8:39 pm

I don't have a deadline but I would like to start as soon as possible. Anyway, I think I won't have time until Friday, so I have a few days to decide.

**Posted by Harriet** April 29, 2014 8:45 pm

Sounds to me that you would prefer language related problems... is that right?
And why do think you would like it better?

**Posted by Pav** April 29, 2014 8:55 pm

That's right I slightly prefer the language related problems because I'm really indecisive and I can't see myself choosing only one extract. If you think there are enough problems... I'll count them and I'll let you know

**Posted by SolarSystem** April 29, 2014 8:57 pm

Well, I personally see a lot of problems, at least in the German translation... sometimes one problem leads to the next... there would be enough material for at least 25 pages, I'm sure.

**Posted by Harriet** April 29, 2014 9:08 pm

Now, this seems to me now that you'd actually rather do one extract and just can't decide which one..

You could make a lottery.
Or chose your favourite scene.
Or the one with the most interesting aspects.

**Posted by SusiGo** April 29, 2014 9:21 pm

Pav, what an amazing subject. In my thesis I compared different Germans translations of "Jane Eyre". My focus was on emancipation and female self-image. So I chose some important passages and compared them throughout 8 or 9 translations.

I agree with Harriet - if there is a scene you love best, take this. Or if there is one aspect - humour, forms of address, cultural aspects - that is most interesting to you, take that. It could also be interesting to examine in which aspects the individual versions of subtitles differ.

I see no problem in filling 15 pages. What matters is that you really like the subject so that you have fun in working on this.

If you have any questions I can answer do not hesitate to send me a PM.

**Posted by Pav** April 29, 2014 9:35 pm

You may be right, Harriet... I really don't know (like I said - indecisive). I'll think about it in the train tomorrow (if it works for Moftiss, it will work for me). Thanks for your ideas, I knew you wouldn't disappoint me. I'll try to choose an extract or to find enough language problems - things like hound/dog, cell phone/mobile phone, I'll be mother, IOU, I am Sherlocked...

**Posted by Harriet** April 29, 2014 9:40 pm

Well, we might as well collect ideas we'd like to write about... like what we had in Germany, how does dubbing change the character of a person or a relationship?

I think Susi's offer is great. At least she knows what she is talking about - unlike me

**Posted by Pav** April 29, 2014 9:55 pm

I agree, thanks for the offer, Susi. I'll either PM you or I will seek advice in this thread. It's a pity you can't speak Czech.

Harriet wrote:
... like what we had in Germany, how does dubbing change the character of a person or a relationship?

Too philosophical for me.

**Posted by SusiGo** April 29, 2014 9:57 pm

Okay, go ahead. And, yes, it is a pity, I can only offer German, English and French.

**Posted by Harriet** April 29, 2014 9:59 pm

No, it's not. If you choose certain words for a person, it is also a description of the character. So you could research a British John compared to a Czech one.

**Posted by Pav** April 30, 2014 5:01 pm

I took your advice and I thought of my favourite episode (Scandal) and of my favourite scenes and I think I will use the scene in Buckingham Palace as there are many things to comment - I'll be mother, Commonwealth, pants, laters, The Woman... However, I'm not fully decided yet.

**Posted by Harriet** April 30, 2014 7:16 pm

Sounds like a good idea to me - not too much to get distracted, and enough to write about. What do you think?

**Posted by SusiGo** April 30, 2014 7:25 pm

Sounds very good to me. Wonderful scene. And "Here to see the Queen"?

**Posted by Pav** April 30, 2014 8:53 pm

"Apparently yes"... I always giggle even though I have seen the scene a million times. I love this scene so much... I have watched it again and now I'm fully decided I will start writing on Friday.