Multimodal Strategies in Audiovisual Translation

This study examines multimodal translation strategies in the subtitled and dubbed versions of the Malaysian film Pendatang (2023), focusing on how visual, auditory, and linguistic modes interact to convey meaning and negotiate cultural identity. Using a qualitative comparative approach grounded in Multimodal Discourse Analysis and Skopos Theory, key culturally and emotionally rich scenes were analyzed. Findings show that subtitling prioritizes linguistic economy and auditory authenticity, requiring active audience integration of cues, while dubbing enables broader cultural adaptation, optimizing comprehension and emotional impact but sometimes altering linguistic identity. The study highlights modality-dependent translation strategies, advancing Malaysian audiovisual translation scholarship and offering practical insights for translation practice, education, and international cinema engagement.