Semantic analysis of dubbing: the case of a song from adventure time

Resumen

Previous research on audiovisual translation and song dubbing has highlighted the challenges of preserving meaning, rhythm, and cultural resonance when adapting lyrics across languages, building on this line of inquiry, the present study aims to analyze the dubbing of the song “My Best Friends in the World” from the animated series Adventure Time and its Spanish version “¿Qué soy para ti?” From a semantic perspective. Using a qualitative and descriptive approach, the study identifies and categorizes translation techniques, strategies, and errors, examining their impact on the transmission of the original message. A qualitative descriptive study using a concentration table and a comparative chart was conducted to identify changes in lyrics, thematic focus, and the use of linguistic resources. Findings reveal that, although both versions preserve the core theme of friendship, the Spanish adaptation introduces omissions, generalizations, and a shift toward unrequited romantic feelings, partially modifying the original intent. The study provides analytical insights valuable for future research on song translation and dubbing in audiovisual media, highlighting the importance of balancing fidelity and cultural adaptation.