There are two kinds of subtitles in linguistic, inter-lingual subtitles and intra-lingual subtitles respectively pointed out by Gottlieb (“Routledge Encyclopedia” 247). Generally speaking, the target language and the source language of inter-lingual subtitles are different, the mode, and the language are changes. For intra-lingual subtitles, the language is in the same. It just changes the mode other than language. For example, the subtitle of some programs which subtitling to help the deaf and hard of hearing audiences understand the plot.

2.1 Studies of Subtitle Translation

In the west, the study about film subtitle translation began early, and the development of film subtitle translation has caused wide concern. The first attempt of subtitle translation occurred in the west. In Dollerup’s article, he points out the mistakes which show up on the TV programs. He is the pioneer by proposing the importance of the subtitle translation. What’s more, he explains that it is an active and effective way to study the foreign language by watching films with subtitles and make progress in an enjoyable way.

Recently, Europe has staged some international academic meetings, in order to stress the studies of subtitle translation. There are some important organizations of subtitle translation. For example, International Federation of Translators, which is the great forerunner at film subtitle translation field. As early as 1987, in order to solve the problems of film translation, the organization has set up a committee of media translators and interpreters. What’s more, European Association for Studies in Screen Translations is another organization about subtitle translation. It was established in 1995, aiming at improving the translation skills and practicing skills of those people who work or study about foreign languages. Recent years, a large amount of people from all corners of the world join in this institute. Among them, lots of members are very active and make great contributions to translation field. Take a contribution of the member as an example; they make so many great publications about film subtitle translation in the world.

From reform and opening-up to now, the rapid development of all industries has been going on for nearly 40 years. The movie industry has made great development, too. Film products from all over the world are imported, which promote the development of film subtitle translation in China. However, the studies about subtitle translation are not comprehensive and systematic. Because of the special situation of the subtitle translation, people who work on this have a long way to go. Meanwhile, solving the problems that are bad for the development of subtitle translation is very important. There are many scholars run studies on subtitle translation and have got some achievements.