The particular dialect or language that a person chooses to use on any occasion is called a code


 

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Copyright © 2024 The Author 
IDEAS is licensed under CC-BY-SA 4.0 License 

 

Issued by English study program of IAIN Palopo 

IDEAS  

Journal of Language Teaching and Learning, 
Linguistics and Literature 
 

ISSN 2338-4778 (Print) 
ISSN 2548-4192 (Online) 

Volume 12, Number 2, December 2024 
pp. 2537 - 2553 

An Analysis of Translation Techniques Found  

in “Wish” Movie  
Desak Made Indah Fitriawati1, Ni Made Verayanti Utami2  

Sakdeindahfitriawati@gmail.com  
1,2Mahasaraswati University Denpasar, Bali 

 

Received: 2024-10-28 Accepted:2024-12-31 

DOI: 10.2456/ideas. v12i2.5772 

 

Abstract 

The study entitled An Analysis of Translation Techniques Found In “Wish” Movie. The 

study aims to observe the types of translation techniques that are used and which types 

are dominant in this movie. The data were obtained by descriptive qualitative method and 

the data was analyzed based on the theory by Molina & Albir (2002). The researcher found 

adaptation (8,5%), amplification (0,5%), borrowing (2,6%), calque (1,3%), Compensation 

(0,1%), Established equivalent (0,7%), Generalization (0,8%), Linguistic compression 

(2,4%), Literal translation (74,4%), Modulation (1,7%), particularization (0,1%), 

reduction (6,1%), substitution (0,5%), transposition (0,1%), and variation (0,4%). 

Therefore, the dominant translation technique used in the movie "Wish" is literal 

translation. Literal translation is more likely to be used in subtitling because it keeps the 

original dialog faithful. Literal translation allows the audience to understand what was said 

in the source language. 

 

Keywords: Movie, translation, translation techniques 

 

Introduction     

Ibrahim et al, (2019: 119) stated that language is a tool for conveying 

messages, both with oral and written messages. Siregar et al, (2021: 19) also state 

that language is a widely used communication tool that allows communicators and 

recipients to exchange ideas, thoughts, and information. Learning English is 

currently increasingly popular, learning English is not only through courses but can 

also be done through translation in a movie. Translation in a film is easy to learn 

because there are two lessons we can get, listening and translation. This is because 

in movies there is dubbing and subtitles. Nida and Taber (1982: 12) stated that 

translation is “reproducing messages”.  

 

http://u.lipi.go.id/1457703302
mailto:Sakdeindahfitriawati@gmail.com


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Translation involves conveying a message from a source language (SL) to a 

target language (TL) while preserving the closest possible meaning and linguistic 

style. It is not merely about using a translation machine to translate text; it also 

encompasses various techniques that translators can employ to achieve accurate 

and effective results. According to Molina and Albir (2002), there are 18 types of 

translation techniques, including Adaptation, Amplification, Borrowing, Calque, 

Compensation, Description, Discursive Creation, Established Equivalent, 

Generalization, Linguistic Amplification, Linguistic Compression, Literal 

Translation, Modulation, Particularization, Reduction, Substitution, Transposition, 

and Variation. Each technique serves a distinct purpose in the translation process, 

addressing different aspects of translating texts. Many researchers have researched 

translation techniques, several sources are used by researchers. 

The first study, conducted by Pratama et al. (2024) entitled Techniques of 

Translations Found in Some Food and Beverage Packaging’s. investigates the types 

of translation techniques used by translators and identifies the most dominant 

techniques in food and drink packaging. The study utilizes Molina's theory (1998) 

as its foundational framework and employs both qualitative and quantitative 

methods to analyze translation techniques and their prevalence. Data was collected 

from various food and beverage packaging found in supermarkets, with 

information, sentences, phrases, and words gathered through photography.  

The English and Indonesian texts on the packaging were compared and 

classified according to translation methods. Descriptive analysis was performed 

using translation technology theory, followed by calculations to determine the 

primary types of translation techniques employed. The findings revealed that the 

translation techniques used include literal translation, borrowing, amplification, 

description, reduction, and calque. Among these, the borrowing technique was the 

most dominant, accounting for 37 data points (37%).  

The second study, conducted by Nugroho et al. (2024) entitled Translation 

Techniques of Racial Slurs in the Movie 42 Subtitles. Investigates the translation 

methods used by both professional (Netflix) and amateur (Movieku) translators to 

handle racial slurs in the film 42. Employing a qualitative case study approach, the 

research analyzes film transcripts and subtitles based on Molina and Albir's (2002) 

theory. The study identified 11 translation techniques from a total of 192 data 

points, with 96 data points for each category. The techniques include Amplification, 

Compensation, Description, Established Equivalent, Literal Translation, Linguistic 

Compression, Modulation, Naturalization Borrowing, Particularization, Pure 

Borrowing, and Reduction.  

The results indicate that both professional and amateur translators use a 

variety of techniques. For professional subtitles, the distribution was: Single (20 

instances, 20.83%), Duplet (50 instances, 52.08%), Triplet (25 instances, 26.04%), 

and Quartet (1 instance, 1.04%). In fansubs, the distribution was: Single (23 



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instances, 23.96%), Duplet (63 instances, 65.62%), Triplet (10 instances, 10.41%), 

with no instances of Quartet. 

The third study is an article written by Arbain (2023) entitled Translation 

Techniques Used and Its Shift In Stranger Things Movie. The analysis of translation 

methods in this study is based on the framework developed by Molina and Albir 

(2002). This qualitative descriptive study employs a thematic approach to examine 

fear expressions in the first season of Stranger Things. Data collection focused on 

identifying types and functions of these expressions, with the analysis supported 

by two translation experts who evaluated the role of technology and changes in the 

translated material. The study predominantly uses the equivalence method to 

ensure natural equivalence in the target language.  

However, reductionist or creative argumentation methods can distort 

meaning: discursive creativity can alter the meaning in the target language, while 

reductionist methods can lead to information loss. Additionally, the study found 

that inappropriate translation techniques resulted in a shift from imperative to 

interrogative functions. Understanding these translation techniques is crucial for 

English teachers and students to enhance communication, especially with 

idiomatic expressions and cultural nuances. The findings highlight the importance 

of careful translation to avoid functional shifts and ensure accuracy in educational 

contexts. 

The fourth study is a thesis written by Orlando, (2023) entitled The 

Translation of Complex Sentences in “Cantik Itu Luka” Novel. This study aims to 

analyze the acceptability of complex sentences and sentence structures in novels 

and their translation into the target language. Data were collected by direct 

observation and analyzed using qualitative descriptive methods. This study was 

chosen because exposure to English in a country where English is not the native 

language does not guarantee that people can use and understand English fluently. 

In the English version of the novel, seven deliberately difficult sentences are 

translated into highly complex sentences.  

The original author uses the verb "to" and in some places the verb "to"; in the 

English version, the choice of subordinate is different. The frequency of 

independent-dependent dependent structures is 75%, whereas the frequency of 

independent-dependent structures is 25%. Among survey respondents, an average 

of 88% rated the intentionally complex translated sentences as easy to understand. 

However, Larson's (1984) theory on the properties of translation acceptability 

indicates that this is not present in the two sentences. 

The fifth study is a thesis by Widiyanthi (2022) titled The Analysis of 

Translation Procedures Used in Subtitle of 'Encanto' Movie. This research examines 

the types of translation procedures used in the subtitles of Encanto and explains 



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their application. Utilizing a descriptive qualitative methodology, the study 

analyzes subtitles by watching the film, reviewing the script, comparing dialogue 

with the script, and categorizing words, phrases, and sentences. The data is 

analyzed based on Newmark’s (1988) theory of translation procedures. The results 

are presented in tables and verbal explanations, revealing 11 translation 

procedures used in the film's subtitles. 

Based on the five previous studies, it can be seen that the similarities given 

are some studies use the same theory and some studies also use movies as data 

sources, but the findings found in each study are very different. This study aims to 

analyze what translation techniques are dominantly used in this movie and what 

factors affect the techniques used. This research focuses on the topic of translation 

techniques in the movie Wish, which contains various cultural elements that are 

rarely found in the surrounding environment. This study is expected to help the 

surrounding community about the impact given by the translator to the selection 

of translation techniques in subtitle translation which is very influential to the 

audience as the target market of a movie. 

 

Method     

The data was taken from a movie entitled “Wish” which was released on 

November 22, 2023. Walt Disney Animation Studios "Wish," the latest musical 

comedy from Walt Disney Animation Studios, takes audiences on the adventures of 

Asha, a smart and strong-willed teenager from the kingdom of Rosas. To save her 

people and prove that a hero's strong will can be realized when combined with 

magic, Asha and Star must join forces to battle their most formidable enemy: King 

Magnifico, ruler of Rosas. Wish movie was chosen as the data source because its 

dialogues contain culturally significant, idiomatic, and informal language that is 

difficult to translate.  

These conversations are examined to determine how the translator 

communicates culturally appropriate meaning. The film received a positive 

response from 13.2 million viewers in its first five days on Disney+, demonstrating 

the importance of subtitles in maintaining the viewing experience. However, 

challenges still exist, particularly in conveying visual and nonverbal elements that 

are difficult to translate into text. This research used a descriptive qualitative 

method, this method helped the researcher to solve the problems in this research. 

According to Taylor (1984: 4), the qualitative method revealed that words (verbal, 

narrative, and descriptive). Qualitative methods are considered to be valid 

techniques for conducting research, in qualitative evolution the data begins as raw 

and descriptive information. The problem will be analyzed by using the theory by 

Molina & Albir (2002) about translation techniques used to analyze the data. 

 

 



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Results     

The study found 15 out of 18 translation techniques in the subtitles of 

Encanto. The techniques identified are Adaptation, Amplification, Borrowing, 

Calque, Compensation, Established Equivalent, Generalization, Linguistic 

Compression, Literal Translation, Modulation, Particularization, Reduction, 

Substitution, Transposition, and Variation. The three techniques not found are 

Description, Discursive Creation, and Linguistic Amplification. The description is 

rarely used because it can lengthen the text and disrupt its flow, altering the tone 

or style. Discursive Creation is infrequently employed due to its high degree of 

creativity, which can result in translations that diverge significantly from the 

original.  

Linguistic Amplification is seldom used as it adds extra information not 

present in the original text, potentially lengthening the translation and changing its 

tone or meaning. These techniques are avoided to maintain a concise and faithful 

translation. In the analysis, the literal translation technique was the most 

commonly used. This demonstrates that this technique is the preferred subtitle of 

the film Wish (2023). 74.4% of the translation data used the literal technique, 

indicating a strong preference for this technique in film translation. The prevalence 

of the literal technique could be attributed to the need to maintain fidelity to the 

original text while also ensuring readability for a wide audience. 

 

 

Figure 1. Types of Translation Techniques 

0

100

200

300

400

500

600

700

Types of Translation Techniques

Adaptation Amplification Borrowing Calque

Compensation Established Equivalent Generalization Linguistic Compression

Literal Translation Modulation Particularization Reduction

Substitution Transposition Variation



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Discussion     

1. Adaptation 

Adaptation is a technique that replaces a Source Text's cultural element with 

one from the target culture or a shift in a cultural environment. 

Data 1 

SL: The sorcerer didn’t know if the world would want his gift. 

TL: Sang penyihir tidak tau apakah dunia menginginkan bakatnya. 

(Wish Movie, 2023: 01.49-01.53) 

The adaption technique is used to conform to cultural and contextual nuances 

in the translation from "The sorcerer didn't know if the world would want his gift" 

to "Sang penyihir tidak tahu apakah dunia menginginkan bakatnya." In target 

language, the phrase "bakat" is employed, which translates to "talent" or "skill." The 

original word "gift" implies something precious or giving. This change indicates a 

greater focus on the individual skills of the sorcerer as opposed to a generic talent. 

With this version, the target audience will find the notion more accessible and 

culturally suitable. The translator facilitates a more effective message resonance 

with the intended readers by adapting the translation to the target language's idea 

of personal skills and talents. 

2. Amplification 

Amplification is a translation technique that introduces details that are not 

formulated in the ST: information, explicative paraphrasing. 

Data 2 

SL: Gabo: “Magic is forbidden by anyone other than Magnifico, who is also 

authorized to grant wishes.” 

TL: Gabo: “Sihir dilarang bagi siapapun kecuali Magnifico, yang juga satu-satunya 

yang berwenang untuk mengabulkan harapan” 

(Wish Movie, 2023: 43.25-43,32) 

Translations such as "Sihir dilarang bagi siapapun kecuali Magnifico, yang 

juga satu-satunya yang berwenang untuk mengabulkan harapan" or "Magic is 

forbidden by anyone other than Magnifico, who is also authorized to grant wishes" 

can be classified as amplifications because they add details that the original 

language sentence did not explicitly state. It is implied in the original line that 

Magnifico is the only one who is allowed to wield magic and grant wishes. The 

translated statement, however, adds more information that highlights Magnifico's 

unique position. Magnifico is strengthened by the addition of "satu-satunya" ("the 

only one").  



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The translation "Sihir dilarang bagi siapapun kecuali Magnifico, yang juga 

satu-satunya yang berwenang untuk mengabulkan harapan" to "Magic is forbidden 

by anyone other than Magnifico, who is also authorized to grant wishes" can be 

classified as an example of amplification because it adds details that are not 

expressly stated in the original language (SL) sentence. It is inferred in the original 

SL line that Magnifico is the only one with the power to cast spells and grant desires. 

However, the translation adds more information when it states that "satu-satunya 

yang berwenang" (literally, "the only one authorized"). This particular element 

highlights Magnifico's special and exclusive position in fulfilling wishes.  

3. Borrowing 

Borrowing is a translation technique in the process of translation is taking a 

word or expression straight from another language. It can be pure (without any 

change), e.g., to use the English word lobby in a Spanish text, or it can be naturalized 

(to fit the spelling rules in the TL). 

Data 3 

SL: Queen Amaya: that kind of generosity has always been the true essence of 

Rosas. 

TL: Queen Amaya: Sikap murah hati seperti itu adalah esensi sejati dari Rosas. 

(Wish Movie, 2023: 10.19-10.23) 

The sentence "Queen Amaya: that kind of generosity has always been the true 

essence of Rosas" translated as "Queen Amaya: Sikap murah hati seperti itu adalah 

esensi sejati dari Rosas" can be categorized as borrowing because the proper noun 

"Rosas" is taken directly from the source language (SL) and used in the target 

language (TL) without any modification. This technique maintains the original 

name and identity of the place, which is a characteristic of borrowing. 

4. Calque 

Calque is a foreign word or phrase translated and incorporated into another 

language, Calque also can be defined as a Literal translation of a foreign word or 

phrase; it can be linguistic or structural. 

Data 4 

SL: Asha: “No… I… I mean yes. And I understand if you want me to leave and never 

show my face again.”   

TL: Asha: “Tidak… Aku… Maksudku ya. Aku mengerti jika kau ingin aku pergi dan 

tidak Kembali lagi.” 



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(Wish Movie, 2023: 11.45-11.52) 

The translation of "No… I… I mean yes. And I understand if you want me to leave 

and never show my face again" to "Tidak… Aku… Maksudku ya. Aku mengerti jika kau 

ingin aku pergi dan tidak Kembali lagi" exemplifies a calque because it involves a 

literal and direct translation of the source text's structure and wording. In this 

translation, the original sentence's hesitation and correction, expressed as "No… I… 

I mean yes," are mirrored in the Indonesian translation as "Tidak… Aku… Maksudku 

ya," maintaining the same sequence and emotional nuance.  

Additionally, the phrase "And I understand if you want me to leave and never 

show my face again" is directly translated to "Aku mengerti jika kau ingin aku pergi 

dan tidak Kembali lagi," which follows the English phrasing closely. This 

preservation of the original sentence's structure and vocabulary, without 

significant adaptation or modification, illustrates a calque. The translation closely 

adheres to the source language’s construction and meaning, reflecting a direct and 

literal approach rather than adapting the content to fit target language norms. 

 

5. Compensation 

Compensation is introducing the ST element of information or stylistic effect 

in another place in the TT because it cannot be reflected in the same place as in the 

ST. 

Data 5 

SL: Valentino: “You know, all of this is just a bump in the road. A gigantically, 

homogenous bump.” 

TL: Valentino: “semua ini hanya sebuah rintangan. Rintangan yang sangat besar.” 

(Wish Movie, 2023: 1.00.39-1.00.46) 

Translations of phrases range from "You know, all this is just a bump in the 

road, a gigantically homogeneous bump" to " semua ini hanya sebuah rintangan. 

Rintangan yang sangat " can be classified as compensation because it adapts the 

source text's stylistic elements to maintain the target language's overall impact. In 

the source text, the metaphor of "bump in the road" is used to indicate the obstacles. 

The use of additional descriptors such as "huge" and "homogeneous" (presumably 

meaning "uniform") adds a concrete and vivid image of the problem.  

However, these particular stylistic and descriptive details do not translate 

directly into Indonesian. In the translated sentence, the specific imagery and 

descriptive adjectives are omitted, with "bump in the road" simplified to 

"rintangan" (obstacle). To compensate for the loss of subtle imagery from the 

original, the translation emphasizes the size of the obstacle with “rintangan yang 

sangat besar” (very big obstacle). This adjustment ensures that the translated text 



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still conveys the significant nature of the problem, retaining the emotional weight 

and impact of the original message, even if the exact stylistic elements are not 

directly translated. 

 

6. Established Equivalent 

Established equivalent refers to the use of terms that are commonly 

recognized and accepted, either in a dictionary or in the target language (TL), as 

the equivalent of those in the source language (SL). 

Data 6 

 SL: Narrator: “The one that drives your heart, the one that makes you who you 

are.”  

TL: Narrator: “sesuatu yang bena-benar kau inginkan, harapan yang membentuk 

jati dirimu.” 

(Wish Movie, 2023: 01.15-01.18) 

The translation of "the one that drives your heart, the one that makes you who 

you are" to "sesuatu yang benar-benar kau inginkan, harapan yang membentuk jati 

dirimu" can be categorized as an established equivalent because it uses culturally 

recognized expressions in the target language that effectively convey the same 

meaning as the source text. Instead of translating the English metaphors literally, 

the Indonesian translation employs phrases that are familiar and resonant within 

the cultural context of the target audience. The phrase "sesuatu yang benar-benar 

kau inginkan" (something you truly desire) captures the concept of a deep personal 

drive, while "harapan yang membentuk jati dirimu" (hopes that shape your true 

self) reflects the idea of hopes influencing one's identity. These expressions are 

established equivalents that align with the idiomatic usage and cultural norms of 

Indonesian, ensuring that the intended message is communicated clearly and 

meaningfully to the target audience. 

7. Generalization  

Generalization is a translation technique where more general or neutral terms 

are used in the target language (TL). 

Data 7 

SL: Dahlia: “well, his study is off-limits.” 

TL: Dahlia: “kita dilarang masuk ke ruang belajar.” 

(Wish Movie, 2023: 41.05-41.07) 



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The translation of Dahlia's line from "well, his study is off-limits" to "kita 

dilarang masuk ke ruang belajar" can be categorized as a generalization because it 

simplifies the original meaning by making it more explicit and broader. In the 

source language, "off-limits" is a vague and general term that could imply various 

degrees of restriction, ranging from a simple preference to a strict rule. However, 

in the target language, the translation "kita dilarang masuk" explicitly states that 

entry is prohibited, removing any ambiguity. This change in wording broadens the 

scope of the restriction, making it more definitive and potentially altering the 

nuance of the original message. 

8. Linguistic Compression 

Linguistic compression is a technique that simplifies or condenses existing 

linguistic elements in the translation, as they can be understood without the need 

for elaboration. 

Data 8 

SL: Asha: “How did I manage to connect with a star all the way across the sky?” 

TL: Asha: “bagaimana bisa aku terhubung dengan Bintang jauh di angkasa?” 

(Wish Movie, 2023: 32.36-32.39) 

  

The translation of Asha's line from "how did I manage to connect with a star 

all the way across the sky?" to "bagaimana bisa aku terhubung dengan Bintang jauh 

di angkasa?" can be categorized as linguistic compression because it condenses the 

original message while retaining its core meaning. In the source language, the 

phrase "all the way across the sky" emphasizes the vast distance involved. However, 

in the target language, this detail is condensed into "jauh di angkasa," which still 

conveys the idea of distance but in a more succinct manner. This process of 

shortening the expression without losing the essence of the original thought is 

characteristic of linguistic compression. 

9. Literal Translation 

Literal translation involves translating a word or expression word for word. 

This technique is used when there is an exact structural, lexical, or even 

morphological equivalence between the two languages. 

Data 9 

SL: But he and his loyal wife found the most perfect island deep in the 

Mediterranean Sea. 

 



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TL: Namun dia dan Istrinya yang setia menemukan pulau paling sempurna jauh 

di laut Mediterania 

(Wish Movie, 2023: 01.53-02.01) 

The data above can be categorized as literal translation because the 

translation of each word does not modify either the subtraction or addition of 

words. The sentence "But he and his loyal wife" is translated literally into " Namun 

dia dan Istrinya yang setia " The translation of the sentence does not modify. 

10. Modulation 

Modulation is a translation technique that involves changing the point of view, 

focus, or cognitive category of the source text. This shift can be lexical or structural, 

and it's essentially a change in perspective. 

Data 10 

SL: Man 4: “It was a disaster!” 

TL: Man 4: “Kacau!” 

(Wish Movie, 2023: 09.14-09.16) 

This translation can be categorized as modulation because it involves a shift 

in perspective or a change in how meaning is conveyed between the source 

language (SL) and the target language (TL). In the source text, "It was a disaster!" 

is a direct statement that describes an event as a disaster, emphasizing the severity 

of the situation. The translation into "Kacau!" (which means "chaotic" or "messy" 

in Indonesian) alters the structure and tone, conveying a similar negative 

sentiment but more subjectively and less formally. 

 This shift is characteristic of modulation, where the translator changes the 

perspective or focus to adapt the expression to the cultural and linguistic context 

of the target language. In this case, "Kacau!" might be a more natural or culturally 

resonant way to express the same idea in Indonesian, making the translation more 

appropriate for the intended audience while still retaining the original meaning. 

 

11. Particularization  

Particularization is a translation technique where the translator opts for more 

concrete and specific terms in the target language.  

 

 

 



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Data 11 

SL: Asha: “Oh! I’m seeing things.” 

TL: Asha: “aku berhalusinasi.” 

(Wish Movie, 2023: 31.55-31.57) 

This translation can be categorized as particularization because it involves 

moving from a general expression in the source language (SL) to a more specific 

one in the target language (TL). In the source text, "I'm seeing things" is a vague, 

general statement that could imply a range of possibilities, such as illusions, 

misperceptions, or hallucinations. The translation "aku berhalusinasi," however, 

narrows down the meaning to specifically indicate that the speaker is experiencing 

hallucinations. This shift from a broad, ambiguous phrase to a more defined term 

is typical of particularization, where the translator chooses to convey a more 

precise meaning that may better fit the context or cultural expectations of the 

target language. By opting for "berhalusinasi," the translation provides clarity and 

specificity, ensuring that the intended meaning is clearly understood by the target 

audience. 

12. Reduction 

Reduction is a translation technique that involves condensing the information 

in the source language (SL), where certain details are omitted without distorting 

the overall meaning. 

Data 12 

SL: Asha: “Hi, Hello, you know, I’m just gonna…” 

TL: Asha: “Hai. Halo. Aku mau…” 

(Wish Movie, 2023: 39.15-39.19) 

This translation can be categorized as reduction because it involves 

condensing the content of the source language (SL) by omitting certain elements 

without losing the overall meaning. In the source text, "Hi, Hello, you know, I’m just 

gonna…" includes multiple greetings and a filler phrase ("you know"), which 

contribute to the conversational tone but don't add essential information. The 

target language (TL) translation, "Hai. Halo. Aku mau…," simplifies this by removing 

the filler "you know" and the phrase "just gonna," while retaining the greetings and 

the main verb "mau" (meaning "want to" or "going to"). This process of reduction 

eliminates redundancy and unnecessary elements, streamlining the message for 

clarity and conciseness. By doing so, the translation maintains the essential 

meaning and flow of the original dialogue while making it more direct and efficient 

in the target language. 



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13. Substitution 

Substitution is a translation technique where linguistic elements are replaced 

with paralinguistic elements, such as intonation or gestures, and vice versa. 

Data 13 

SL: Saba: “putt, putt, putt, and knock on wood.” 

TL: Saba: “tuk, tuk, tuk, ketuk kayu.” 

(Wish Movie, 2023: 02.58-03.01) 

This translation can be categorized as a substitution because it involves 

replacing the elements in the source language (SL) with different elements in the 

target language (TL) that carry equivalent meanings or functions. In the source text, 

"putt, putt, putt, and knock on wood" includes the onomatopoeic sound "putt," 

which mimics a soft knocking or tapping noise, followed by the phrase "knock on 

wood," a common expression used to avoid bad luck.  

In the target language, this is translated as "tuk, tuk, tuk, ketuk kayu," where 

"tuk, tuk, tuk" substitutes for "putt, putt, putt," using an onomatopoeia that is more 

familiar and culturally appropriate in the target language to convey the same 

knocking sound. Additionally, "knock on wood" is directly substituted with "ketuk 

kayu," which means "knock on wood" in Indonesian, preserving the superstitious 

connotation. This type of substitution ensures that the translation remains 

culturally relevant and understandable to the target audience while maintaining 

the original intent and tone of the source text.  

 

14. Transposition 

Transposition is a translation technique that involves shifting between 

grammatical categories or changing the grammatical category in the translation 

process. 

Data 14  

SL: Asha: “A most loving and handsome man who turns 100 years old today.” 

TL: asha: “orang yang paling penyayang dan tampan yang berusia 100 tahun hari 

ini.” 

(Wish Movie, 2023: 02.33-02.40) 

This translation can be categorized as transposition because it involves 

changing the grammatical structure or word order from the source language (SL) 

to the target language (TL) while preserving the original meaning. In the source 



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text, "a most loving and handsome man who turns 100 years old today," the phrase 

"a most loving and handsome man" is structured with adjectives ("most loving" and 

"handsome") preceding the noun ("man"). The translation in the target language, 

"orang yang paling penyayang dan tampan yang berusia 100 tahun hari ini," shifts 

this structure slightly.  

The adjectives "penyayang" and "tampan" follow the phrase "yang paling," 

which corresponds to "most" in English, and are placed after the noun "orang" 

(meaning "person" or "man"), which is common in Indonesian grammar. 

Additionally, the verb "turns" is transposed into "berusia," meaning "is aged" or "is," 

aligning with the natural way of expressing age in Indonesian. This change in 

grammatical order and structure is characteristic of transposition, where the 

translator adjusts the syntax to fit the norms of the target language while 

maintaining the original sentence’s meaning and intent. 

 

15. Variation 

Variation is a translation technique that replaces linguistic or paralinguistic 

elements that affect linguistic variation, such as changes in textual tone, style, 

geographical dialect, and social dialect 

Data 15 

SL: Safi: “we got you. Right, Gabo?” 

TL: Safi: “Beres. Benar, Gabo?” 

(Wish Movie, 2023: 44.17-44.20) 

This translation can be categorized as variation because it involves altering 

the formality, tone, or style of the expression in the source language (SL) to better 

suit the target language (TL) and its cultural context. In the source text, "We got 

you. Right, Gabo?" is a casual, conversational phrase that reassures someone and 

seeks confirmation from another person. The target language translation, "Beres. 

Benar, Gabo?" conveys the same reassurance and request for confirmation but uses 

"Beres" instead of a direct translation like "kami mendukungmu" (which would be 

a more literal translation of "we got you").  

According to the results of the analysis, the literal translation technique 

dominates the translation of subtitles in the film Wish (2023), indicating a 

preference for preserving the source language's structure and meaning. The use of 

literal translation techniques can make the translation easier to understand 

because they preserve the structure of the original language. However, capturing 

cultural nuances, idioms, or humor can be difficult and may necessitate changes to 

make it more relevant and relatable to the intended audience. One of the literal 

technique's limitations is its inability to accurately capture the characters' cultural 



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contexts or emotions, which can have an impact on the viewing experience. Typical 

expressions or idioms that are translated literally may appear stilted or lack punch. 

Future research should look into different genres or contexts, such as comedy or 

historical films, to see if similar results can be obtained. This will help to 

understand how context affects translation technique preferences and their impact 

on audience engagement. 

Conclusion     

After the data was analyzed, it can be concluded that the translation 

techniques found in this study are 15 out of 18 translation techniques. However, 

there are three translation techniques which are description, discursive creation, 

and linguistic amplification are not found in this study. Description is rarely used 

in translation because it can make the text longer and disrupt its flow, altering the 

tone or style. Discursive creation is rarely used in translation because it involves a 

high degree of creativity and often results in a translation that diverges significantly 

from the original text. Linguistic amplification is rarely used because it adds extra 

information not in the original text, which can lengthen the translation and alter its 

tone or meaning. It is avoided to keep the translation concise and faithful to the 

original message.  

The dominant translation technique used in translating the movie "Wish" is 

literal translation, where the percentage of literal translation reaches (74.4%). The 

literal translation is often favored in subtitling because it helps preserve the 

original meaning and nuances of the dialogue, ensuring that the intended message 

of the film or show is accurately conveyed. Given the time constraints inherent in 

subtitling, literal translation provides a concise way to convey the core message 

without requiring extensive adaptation or explanation. Additionally, in many cases, 

the original context or cultural references are familiar enough to the target 

audience, making literal translation practical. It also maintains consistency with 

the original script, which is important for viewers familiar with the source material. 

Moreover, for viewers who read subtitles quickly, literal translations offer 

straightforward and easily understandable translations without additional 

interpretation. Lastly, literal translation often requires less time and effort 

compared to more creative techniques, making it a more efficient choice in many 

cases. 

 

 

 

 

 



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