This paper describes the theoretical and methodological foundations of a scientific
research project (FRA 2013) funded by the University of Trieste and aimed at
studying audiovisual translation in a receptive perspective. Specifically, through
a new approach in the field, the project aims to empirically identify what are the
real (vs. supposed) advantages and disadvantages of dubbing and subtitling. It
also wishes to assess whether these vary when the two methods are used in countries
accustomed to one translation method or the other and when they are seen
by viewers of different ages (younger vs. older). The project also plans to examine
the robustness of the results with respect to the characteristics of audiovisual
material by varying its structural and linguistic complexity, and by monitoring
the cognitive and emotional processes during film viewing. To do so, it will resort
to behavioral questionnaires and sessions of eye movement recording. Using
this new approach, the project aims to synergistically combine theoretical
and methodological contributions from different disciplines such as translation,
linguistics and psychology. This will provide a more comprehensive picture of
audiovisual translation reception. The consolidation of the integrated model
that we wish to accomplish has the ultimate aim of making it reusable for new
applications and in future projects.
