In a typical monolingual film the question of what language the dialogue has to be translated from and what language it has to be translated into seems fairly trivial. However, when there is a multiplicity of languages or their varieties, this issue cannot be so easily ignored. The distinction between the source languages and the choice of target languages may pose problems in the case of multilingual films. Still, the issue of multilingualism in films is not new, as multiple languages have been incorporated into the audiovisual product since the creation of sound in film. However, in the field of AVT the topic calls for more extensive research. This presentation is partly based on my MA dissertation in which I aimed to draw the attention to the phenomenon of language multiplicity in films and their translation.
Firstly, the presentation will focus on the cultural aspects of multilingualism, looking at globalisation processes, the role of film as a medium of cultural transfer and the abilities of a society to comprehend multiple languages. The reception of multilingual films by the audience will be discussed mainly on the basis of results obtained for Poland.
Secondly, the presentation will focus on the practical aspects of multilingual film translation and will attempt to identify and discuss different translation strategies and techniques used. With the use of selected films I will illustrate what patterns that translators use for the transfer of more than one language in a film. It is essential to see how they are implemented with the use of three main translation modes: subtitling, dubbing and voice-over. Close attention will also be paid to the purpose of using more than one language in a film, whether it is to add exotic flavour, explore cultural coexistence or generate comical situations. The presentation will also attempt to deal with the question of translatability which, in the case of multilingual films, can be especially challenging.

Aneta MIERNIK holds an MA in English Studies from Warsaw University (Poland) and an MA in Audiovisual Translation from Roehampton University (UK). The title of her recent dissertation focused was “Translation of Multilingual Films for the Polish Audience”. Her academic research interests include subtitling, dubbing, voice-over and SDH as well as AVT reception by Polish audiences, innovations in subtitling techniques, translatability of cultural aspects, and language learning. She cooperates with translation agencies as a freelance translator, specialising in AVT and written translations. She has worked for London Metropolitan University as a language supervisor and marker with Polish translation students.