The Challenge of Subtitling in Yoruba Nollywood Movies and Possible Solution

Abstract

World's second largest movie producer, Nollywood (United Nations News Center, 2009), is roughly divided into two equal parts– English and vernacular. The vernacular aspect comprises Yoruba (approximately 70 %, Hausa (20 %) and others. The increasing global visibility of the Yoruba genre and its large size elicit a dissection of subtitling, which is one of the daunting challenges it faces. This paper identifies, evaluates and discusses specific subtitling problems in the context of relevant theoretical framework, using a mixed method of analysis. It examines the issues relating to language, linguistics and understanding in respect of the genre. One significant finding was lack of standardized format of subtitling. What is more, practitioners were not even asking for one! Interestingly, the lackadaisical vitality arose out of non-existence of any ethical universal and a coherent policy on the industry especially from the statutory perspective. Practitioners need encouragement to get round this problem though sanctioning seems a more result-oriented strategy if solution is genuinely craved.

Keywords: Nollywood, Nigeria, Yoruba, Subtitles, English, Policy, Language.