Audiovisual Translation Overview

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Questions and Answers

What is the typical character limit for one line of subtitles?

50 to 60 characters

70 to 80 characters

15 to 25 characters

30 to 40 characters (correct)

Longer lines of subtitles are used for DVDs compared to TV screens.

True

What are the two types of subtitles mentioned?

Open and closed

The exposure time for one line of subtitles should be between _ and _ seconds.

three, five Signup and view all the answers

Match the type of subtitles with their characteristics:

Open = Cannot be turned off and controlled by the viewer Closed = Optional and accessed by the user Signup and view all the answers

What is one advantage of dubbing in film?

It allows for full visual experience without text. Signup and view all the answers

Dubbing is generally considered to be less expensive than subtitling.

False Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary downside of dubbing related to audio?

Loss of original soundtrack. Signup and view all the answers

Which term encompasses the interlingual transfer of verbal language accessed visually and acoustically?

Audiovisual translation Signup and view all the answers

The dubbing process involves an actor mouthing words they did not speak in the original recording.

True Signup and view all the answers

Subtitling involves presenting dialogue in the form of __________ on the screen.

written text Signup and view all the answers

Dubbing involves adding subtitles to a film.

False Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary goal of dubbing in audiovisual translation?

To make the target dialogues appear as if they are spoken by the original actors. Signup and view all the answers

What role might a single person perform in the dubbing process?

Both dubbing director and dubbing translator. Signup and view all the answers

Match the following terms with their definitions:

Dubbing = Replacing original audio with translated audio Subtitling = Rendering dialogues as written text on screen Open subtitles = Subtitles printed directly on the film Closed subtitles = Subtitles selectable by the viewer from a menu Signup and view all the answers

Dubbing requires the use of __________ technology to create a synchronized audio-visual experience.

digital Signup and view all the answers

The __________ is a process that follows the timing and lip movements of the original dialogue.

dubbing Signup and view all the answers

Match the following steps of the dubbing process with their descriptions:

Script translation = Translating the original dialogue into the target language Script adaptation = Ensuring the dialogue sounds natural and fits lip movements Voice recording = Recording the new dialogue with actors Mixing = Integrating the new recording with the original audio Signup and view all the answers

Match the following roles or actions involved in the dubbing process:

Dubbing Translator = Converts original dialogue to target language Dubbing Director = Oversees the dubbing process Actor = Performs the dialogue in the target language Digital Technology = Enhances synchronization of audio and visuals Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Audiovisual Translation (AVT)

AVT is a broad term encompassing several overlapping concepts including media translation, multimedia translation, multimodal translation, and screen translation
AVT covers the interlingual transfer of verbal language across visual and auditory mediums, mostly via electronic devices.
Theatrical plays and opera, for example, have traditionally, used acting and singing in the original language, to translate the content

History of AVT

The need for AVT arose in the 1920s with the introduction of talking pictures and the need to allow films to circulate despite language barriers.

AVT Modalities

Two common modalities are dubbing and subtitling.
Dubbing involves replacing the original audio with a voice track, ideally matching timing, phrasing and lip movement. The goal is for the target language to sound like the source actors.
Subtitling is the visual display of a written translation overlaid on the screen, synchronized with the original dialogue. It's a condensed version of the dialogue.
A less common modality is Voice-Over, which uses a disembodied voice on top of the original audio. This track has independent timing cues

Dubbing Process

The typical process involves four main steps: translation, adaptation, recording, and mixing
The adapted script should sound natural in the target language, aligning with actors' lip movements
Original actors' phrasing and lip movements are targeted for accurate replication
The final dub is mixed with original audio for a balanced effect
Actors may record individual parts independently now, streamlining the process

Subtitling Process

Subtitles generally are a condensed representation of the scene's dialogue that is synced with the original dialogue.
The subtitling translator is responsible for adjusting the original language dialogue to fit the constraints of the display
The mode of display (open, closed) impacts viewer control of the subtitles

Subtitling Considerations

Subtitle length is generally 30-40 characters to avoid obstructing the viewer experience while retaining the narrative.
Studies have shown that shorter subtitles can lead to better comprehension.
Languages' differing word lengths might complicate subtitles.
subtitles can be provided in various languages and formats.

Advantages of Dubbing

It provides broader access to audiences by making the content accessible in other languages
It maintains the original visual experience, therefore retaining a clear visual, emotional, and narrative flow

Disadvantages of Dubbing

High cost and complexity, requiring various professionals such as translators, sound engineers, and actors
It can lead to the loss of the original soundtrack's authenticity
Sometimes, lip-synchronization might not be perfect and it can appear artificial

Advantages of Subtitling

Keeps the original audio and soundtrack, preserving the actors' voices
Aids in learning other languages as viewers can hear and read simultaneously
It does not modify or alter the original audio.

Disadvantages of Subtitling

It can divide viewers' attention making the movie less immersive due to the additional need to read subtitles
Some languages' dialogues could be too long to fit within certain time frame limits
Text can obscure visual cues

Voice-Over

Often used in narrative styles, such as documentaries, news, and advertisements.
While the original audio remains audible, the voice-over remains indecipherable to the majority.

Localization of Video Games

Video games often include both subtitling and dubbing content to suit specific audiences.
Language translation and software engineering are integral aspects of the video-game localization process.
Localization includes the incorporation of translated audio and text into a game while keeping the in-game experience natural and immersive.
Game publishers usually handle localization and ensure functional and linguistic quality control.

Real-Time Subtitling and Respeaking

Emerging technology aids both real-time transcription of speaker-dependent speech which can be converted to written subtitles with human verification to minimize errors
Speech recognition software can now process oral speech into written subtitles quite accurately.

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Description

Explore the fascinating world of Audiovisual Translation (AVT), a critical field in media translation that facilitates understanding across different languages and modalities. This quiz covers the history, common practices like dubbing and subtitling, and the evolution of AVT since the 1920s. Test your knowledge on how language intersects with visual and auditory media!