Translation of Humorous Language in The Big Bang Theory Sitcom

Wang Rong, Norhazlina Husin and Angeline Ranjethamoney Vijayarajoo
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Wang Rong: Akademi Pengajian Bahasa, UiTM Shah, Alam, Selangor, Malaysia
Norhazlina Husin: Akademi Pengajian Bahasa, UiTM Shah, Alam, Selangor, Malaysia
Angeline Ranjethamoney Vijayarajoo: Akademi Pengajian Bahasa, UiTM Seremban 3 Campus, Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia

International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science, 2025, vol. 9, issue 1, 2957-2974

Abstract: In the 21st century, improved living standards and advancements in mass media have made movies and TV dramas central to entertainment, with foreign productions, especially American dramas, gaining popularity in China. Their high-quality production and humor attract viewers, but cultural and linguistic nuances often challenge understanding. This has led to the rise of subtitle translation as a bridge between cultural and language gaps. Therefore, this study aims to analyse the translation of humorous language in the American sitcom The Big Bang Theory with two objectives: (i) to identify the humorous language used in the sitcom and (ii) to examine the translation procedures employed to translate the humorous language. This qualitative study adopts content analysis and comparative analysis to achieve these objectives. The framework includes the types of humor categorised by Schmitz (2002) and translation procedures by Newmark (1988). The findings reveal that 159 items of humorous language found in the sitcom can be categorised into three types: (i) universal humor, (ii) culture-based humor, and (iii) linguistic humor. Universal humor is the most prevalent, accounting for 145 occurrences (91.61%), while culture-based humor is the least frequent, with only four items (2.52%). The translation of humor in The Big Bang Theory uses procedures like paraphrasing, cultural equivalence, transference, label, notes, gloss, and functional equivalence to convey humor across cultures. These strategies adapt the text to target language norms, preserve cultural elements, and clarify complex concepts, ensuring the humor remains effective and relevant for the audience. It is hoped that this study will enhance the field of translation studies by offering a detailed examination of translation procedures used for humorous language in popular media, helping to bridge the gap between linguistic and cultural differences in humor translation.

Date: 2025
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