Remakes from the perspective of translation studies

Abstract

This paper intends to explore concepts like adaptation, appropriation and remakes which are formulated and studied under the field of adaptation studies. Especially in case of adaptations from literary works to films the field of adaptation studies is more likely to be influenced from literary studies. This leads the source text to gain priority over its adaptation and therefore loyalty or fidelity to the source text becomes a primary concern and a basis for any definitions or conceptualizations set out to define the relationship between the source text and its adaptation. Hence the work derived from a certain source text is viewed subordinate and secondary in relation to its source which leads the researchers to ignore its own unique properties. For instance, Thomas Leitch argues that any discussion or research paper which sets out to explore whether the film is better than its literary source would be futile and would perpetuate the influence of literary studies over the field of adaptation studies. Once the paradigm of fidelity was overcome in translation studies it became possible to study translations for their own sake and for the contexts, they served in the target culture. For this reason, translation studies may contribute to this field on one hand. On the other hand, examination of “remakes”, i.e., foreign shows which are appropriated/adapted culturally, from the perspective of translation studies would possibly provide new insights to the field. Furthermore, the question of why foreign stories are appropriated culturally, instead of producing local ones will be evaluated. Certain aspects of foreign stories which are considered inappropriate for the target culture are appropriated. In addition, characters, places, habits and life styles in foreign shows are localized in order to make them acceptable and not to alienate Turkish people.