A Three-Dimensional Analysis of Subtitle Translation in Animated Films from the Perspective of Eco-Translatology: A Case Study of Nezha: Birth of the Demon Child and Ne Zha 2

Abstract

This paper explores the subtitle translation of Chinese animated films through the theoretical lens of Eco-Translatology, focusing on Nezha: Birth of the Demon Child (2019) and its sequel Ne Zha 2 (2025). It examines how translation strategies operate across three dimensions—linguistic, cultural, and communicative—to mediate meaning between source and target languages. Through a comparative analysis of official subtitles and AI-generated translations, the study evaluates how effectively each renders culturally specific expressions, emotional tone, and contextual coherence. The findings suggest that while human translators generally outperform AI in managing culture-loaded and emotionally nuanced content, AI excels in fluency and efficiency for routine expressions. The paper advocates a human-AI collaborative model that leverages the strengths of both to improve subtitle quality. By offering a multidimensional framework and practical insights, this study contributes to the advancement of subtitle translation practices and the international dissemination of Chinese culture.