The Role of Visual Mode in Translating Multimodal Texts: BMW Online Advertisements As A Case Study
Abstract
This study looks at how the visual mode affects the translation of multimodal English texts into Arabic, using multimodal internet commercials for BMW vehicles as a case study.According to the study's hypotheses, understanding an advertisement's precise meaning depends greatly on its visual appeal. It posits that the verbal component by itself is insufficient to provide a thorough understanding of the advertisement. A visual mode can increase the impact and potency of the advertisements, though occasionally it is culturally specific, which may negatively impact how well the SL text is understood. The data in this study is based on a translation test of a sample of BMW's multimodal online advertisements that use binary modes (verbal &visual). The questionnaire of this study was administered to a sample of MA students at Mosul University's Department of Translation in the academic year 2021 and 2022. After examining the translations submitted by the students, the study discovered that a visual mode can significantly influence the end result of the translation process. This will be evident when examining the subjects' renditions, particularly when the visual mode is absent.