TEXT ADAPTATION AS A TRANSLATION STRATEGY (BASED ON THE HUMOUR IN THE SITCOM THE OFFICE)

Abstract

The article examines the adaptation of humor as one of the leading strategies in the process of audiovisual translation. It explores the specifics of conveying the comic effect in a foreign language environment, with a particular focus on verbal, situational, and cultural humor. Special attention is given to the analysis of translation decisions related to the rendering of puns and idiomatic expressions, as these elements of humor require a nuanced approach to preserve their semantic and comic impact in a different cultural context.The material for the study was the popular TV series The Office. Through numerous dialogues from the series, the main techniques used to convey English-language humor into Ukrainian were analyzed. In particular, four key idiom translation strategies were identified: the use of partial phraseological equivalents, descriptive translation, calquing, and substitution with idiomatic analogs. Each of these strategies is illustrated with examples from specific episodes, allowing not only an evaluation of the effectiveness of the chosen decisions but also an examination of the degree to which the comic effect embedded in the original text is preserved. In general, the article emphasizes the importance of a deep understanding of linguistic and cultural specifics, as humor often relies on social norms, linguistic peculiarities, and background knowledge intrinsic to a particular culture. A high-quality translation requires not only linguistic competence but also creativity, intercultural sensitivity, and an understanding of genre-specific features. It is concluded that in this context, the translator acts not only as a linguistic mediator but also as an active participant in the process of creating a new cultural product adapted to the target audience. This approach allows for achieving an equivalent emotional impact and preserving the authenticity of the comedic text, which is crucial for ensuring a deep emotional response from viewers.