The strategies in translating English metaphors used in Thai subtitles: a case study of Netflix's series the Sandman

This study aimed to investigate the utilization of various types of metaphors and metaphor translation techniques in the Thai subtitles of the Netflix series “The Sandman”. The analysis focused on three selected episodes: Episode 6, Episode 7, and Episode 11, each with an approximate duration of 50 minutes. Ullmann's (1972) and Newmark's (1988) frameworks were employed for classifying the metaphors found in the series. To assess the translation of metaphors in the Thai subtitles, Larson's (1984) framework for translating metaphors was utilized. The findings of the study revealed a total of 46 metaphors belonging to eight different types, including anthropomorphize, animal, concrete to abstract, dead, cliché, standard, adapted, and original. Among the identified translation strategies, Strategy 5, which involves transferring the meaning of the metaphor without preserving its image from the source language, was the most frequently employed. This strategy likely prevailed because it enables the straightforward conveyance of the literal meaning from the source language, ensuring clear comprehension of the intended meaning by the audience. Consequently, based on the results, it can be inferred that the translator predominantly utilized Strategy 5 during the translation process.