Multimodality in the translation of humour in comics

Abstract

In the few works on the translation of comics, discussion of the humorous dimension tends to be limited to verbal humour, i.e. playing with names and puns. The examples are almost always taken from 'linguistically demanding' comics such as Astérix or Tintin. This chapter sketches an approach which encompasses not only the verbal but also the non-verbal dimension of humour in the translation of comics. After a short discussion of the various forms of multimodal humour in comics and possible translation strategies, the chapter focuses on the semiotic complexity of playing on verbal and non-verbal signs. In order to provide a comprehensive account of humour, the chapter also explores visual comic techniques, e.g. pictorial intertextuality and visual allusions, and briefly discusses the comic potential of typography and onomatopoeia.