A case study on profanity usage and translation strategies : Focusing on a comparison between the Korean film Girl Cops and the American film Charlie’s Angels 3.

This study examines the differences in the frequency and intensity of profanity usage and translation strategies between the Korean filmGirl Cops and the American film Charlie’s Angels 3. Through this comparative analysis, it aims to demonstrate that profanity translation is a complex process that transcends linguistic transformation, reflecting each culture’s social norms and audience preferences. The results indicate that in Girl Cops, profanity is predominantly used in action scenes to emphasize tension and conflict. However, in the translation, such profanities were often omitted or softened, reflecting strategic choices to align with target audience preferences and rating standards. In contrast, Charlie’s Angels 3 restricts the overall profanity use more strictly but retains or intensifies language in certain scenes to enhance emotional expression. This study emphasizes the importance of analyzing profanity translation as a cultural and social practice requiring careful consideration of audience expectations and societal norms. By focusing on two films with different cultural contexts and rating systems, this research provides valuable insights into how profanity is used and translated in audiovisual media. It is also hoped that this study will contribute to the standardization of profanity translation and consistency in rating standards.