A Lexico-Semantic Analysis of Errors in Subtitles of Selected Igbo Films

ABSTRACT Subtitling in indigenous Nigerian films, particularly those in the Igbo language, served as a crucial medium for bridging linguistic and cultural divides among diverse audiences. However, frequent errors in subtitling often distorted intended meanings and compromised the cultural authenticity of these films. This study examined the nature and frequency of lexico-semantic errors in the English subtitles of selected Igbo films, with the aim of understanding how such errors impacted the conveyance of meaning and cultural context. The objectives were to identify and categorise common lexico-semantic errors, analyse the translation of culturally embedded elements such as idioms and proverbs, and assess the extent to which these errors contributed to cultural misrepresentation. A descriptive qualitative research design was employed. Subtitles from four purposively selected Igbo films produced between 2019 and 2024 were analysed. Data were collected through a comparative textual analysis of the original Igbo dialogues and their corresponding English subtitles. Errors were categorised into lexical, syntactic, and pragmatic types. Eugene Nida’s Equivalence Theory provided the theoretical framework, allowing for an evaluation of both formal and dynamic equivalence strategies in translation. The findings indicated that literal translation approaches were predominantly responsible for the errors observed. Lexical and syntactic errors were particularly frequent, leading to unnatural and misleading English renderings. Pragmatic errors also emerged, especially in instances involving emotional tone or culturally significant expressions, resulting in the dilution of meaning and reduced audience comprehension.