The Elements of Subtitles, Revised and Expanded Edition: A Practical Guide to the Art of Dialogue, Character, Context, Tone and Style in Subtitling

Book excerpt: Good subtitles don't just transfer words from one language to another. They are as funny, scary, witty and compelling as the original. The Elements of Subtitles is a practical guide on how to get subtitling right. Translators working from any language into English will learn how to write vibrant dialogue, develop character profiles, find dramatic and comic equivalents, use dialect and slang, avoid common mistakes and understand tone, style and context in film. Filled with examples from screenplays across the globe, this is an indispensable reference on the nuts and bolts of creating accurate and exciting subtitles. Since its publication, The Elements of Subtitles has become a primary resource for film translation. Fully updated in a revised and expanded edition, "The Elements of Subtitles is a must for anyone who wants to get into the world of translation," (Midwest Book Review) and "The definitive guide for all working subtitle translators." (Tom Larsen, YA Entertainment)