Investigating the Translation of Idiomatic Expressions in the Indonesian Subtitles of Dead Poets Society

This research investigates the translation of idiomatic expressions in the Indonesian subtitles of the film Dead Poets Society (1989). Employing a descriptive qualitative design, the study identifies idioms in the English dialogue, analyzes the translation strategies applied, and evaluates the resulting meaning equivalence. Data were collected through documentation of the film's dialogue and official Indonesian subtitles, with analysis guided by translation strategy frameworks. Findings indicate that paraphrasing is the dominant translation strategy (53%), followed by idiom-to-idiom translation (27%), literal translation (13%), and omission (7%). While core meanings are generally preserved, metaphorical nuance and cultural connotations are frequently reduced. The study concludes that idiom translation in subtitling involves balancing semantic accuracy with the technical constraints of the medium, often prioritizing audience comprehension over stylistic preservation. These findings contribute to understanding the complexities of audiovisual translation and offer practical insights for subtitle practitioners.