Abstract
Abstract This study explores the complexities of translating humor from English to Arabic in the context of audiovisual subtitling, using the American sitcom Modern Family as a case study. Humor, which often relies on cultural references, wordplay, and situational irony, poses a significant challenge for translators aiming to preserve both meaning and comedic effect. The central question is how humor can be effectively transferred across languages without losing its impact on the audience. To answer this, the research examines what strategies are employed by subtitlers to bridge linguistic and cultural gaps, and to what extent these strategies succeed in retaining the humor's original tone. A qualitative method is used, guided by the General Theory of Verbal Humor (GTVH), to analyze selected scenes from the show’s first season. Techniques such as localization, cultural adaptation, and explicitation are evaluated through detailed comparisons between the original English dialogue, its Arabic subtitles, and back translations. This work not only highlights the translator's role as a cultural mediator but also contributes valuable insights into the broader field of audiovisual translation. By shedding light on how humor travels across linguistic and cultural borders, this study invites readers to consider the deeper implications of what makes us laugh—and how that laughter is translated