Sarcouncil Journal of Arts and Literature Aims & Scope

Abstract: This study investigates the translation of gendered power dynamics in Ti West’s film Pearl through four key English-Chinese subtitle pairs, adopting a dual framework of Foucault’s theory of bodily discipline and feminist translation theory. It aims to explore how Chinese subtitles convey disciplinary oppression, bodily resistance, suppressed feminine desire, and gendered transgression. Findings reveal that translations retain the core of Foucauldian disciplinary micro-powers (e.g., psychological surveillance) and feminist insights (e.g., patriarchal role alienation), while making subtle cultural compromises to align with Chinese norms. Translators balance technical conciseness and ideological fidelity, avoiding the silencing of Pearl’s resistance. This research enriches interdisciplinary dialogue across translation, film, and gender studies, offering pragmatic strategies for translating sensitive gendered narratives in cross-cultural contexts.