What about the offensive? Translating swear and taboo language into Hispanic American Spanish in Dallas Buyers Club

Portocarrero J.C.Q.; Llacsahuanga D.M.C. · Hikma (2025) · DOI: 10.21071/hikma.v24i1.17001

Resumen

The translation of swear and taboo language for a Hispanic American audience is characterised by the use of neutral Spanish as a regulatory measure and stylistic restraints by giant audiovisual production companies to comply with the marketing standards of audiovisual products. This article examines the translation techniques and softening strategies employed in the subtitling and dubbing of taboo and swear language expressions into Hispanic American Spanish in the film Dallas Buyers Club (2013). Furthermore, it discusses the characterisation and use of swear and taboo language by two main characters in the plot: Ron Woodroof (main protagonist), a Texan cowboy identified with the Southern culture of the United States; and Rayon (co-star), a Southern transgender character, who also applies this type of language in a constant way during her interactions. Through a taxonomy, the subcategories and types of swear and taboo expressions are identified for the purpose of observing changes in the pejorative load within the target texts. Specifically, this study focuses on the translation and pragmatic functions of the terms fuck and shit, which are repeatedly used in the discourse of both characters. Finally, this article aims to determine how the portrayal of both characters are represented in the subtitled and dubbed version after the translation of swear and taboo expressions.

Instituciones: Universidad Peruana de Ciencias Aplicadas