Acceptability in Arabic Dubbing: A Study of Selected British TV Shows

Abstract

The appropriateness of colloquial terms in the Arabic dubbing of a few British television shows is examined in this study. It looks at how audience reaction and overall dubbing quality are impacted by idiomatic meaning, cultural quirks, and synchronization limitations.In order to accomplish these goals, the study uses three analytical models: Baker's (2018) Strategies for Translating Idioms, which identifies the techniques used to translate English idiomatic expressions into Arabic; Chaume's (2007) Textual Parameters Quality Assessment (TP) model, which assesses textual and technical dubbing quality; and Pedersen's (2017) FAR model, which focuses on the acceptability of translations. Using a qualitative-quantitative methodology that combined model-based error analysis with participant evaluation, two idioms—"It's not rocket science" and "Time really is of the essence"—were examined.The results show that, respectively, paraphrasing and employing idioms with similar meanings but different forms were used to interpret both idioms. However, because of linguistic errors, idiomatic force loss, and awkward wording, these translations' overall acceptability ratings fell between less acceptable and somewhat good. Although there were still problems with semantics and cultural adaptation, synchronization and natural-sounding dialogue were generally good by Chaume's standards.The study concludes by highlighting the difficulty of translating colloquial terms in Arabic dubbing and the necessity of linguistically correct and culturally sensitive adaptation to increase audience acceptability. The findings advance knowledge of idiomatic translation difficulties in Arabic AVT and offer suggestions for enhancing dubbing procedures in the Arab media sector.