Introduction to audiovisual translation

This module introduces the practice and principles of audio-visual translation, primarily subtitling. It covers two main components in subtitling - the practical including associated technology and concepts that underpin the practice and general theoretical arguments that surround subtitling as a genre in translation studies. The module provides students with opportunities to practice subtitling, first by translating scripts under subtitling conditions, and then using subtitling software programmes to produce a finished product.  This module also develops students’ independent working abilities by preparing & organising presentations. It is also aimed to help students develop linguistic skills, cultural awareness and subtitling techniques required to work as a screen translator.  

Objectives and learning outcomes of the module

On successful completion of this module a student should will be able to:

• demonstrate professional knowledge of concepts and practice of screen translation (subtitling)
• improve knowledge and ability in translating audiovisual materials 
• improve understanding and knowledge in cross-cultural communication in subtitling
• acquire awareness of professional protocols
• acquire knowledge and understanding of search and research skills
• acquire ability to carry out screen translation under screen constraints
• acquire basic knowledge and ability to conduct research into studies of screen translation  

Workload

Total of 10 weeks teaching with 2 hours classroom contact per week consisting of a lecture and seminar.

Scope and syllabus

• Introduction to audiovisual translation - history and technology
• Subtitling - concepts and practice - introducing subtitling software programmes
• Subtitling: market, industry and professionalism/software practice with video clips
• Subtitling constraints and strategies/software practice with video clips
• Culture & subtitling (out of English) /software practice with video clips
• Subtitling documentaries/news (out of English)
• Subtitling TV dramas/comedies (out of English)
• Subtitling feature films (out of English)
• Subtitling documentaries (into English)
• Subtitling TV dramas(into English)
• Subtitling feature films (into English)

Topics also include - linguistic dimensions of subtitling, abusive subtitling, creative subtitling and dubbing vs. subtitling.

Method of assessment

• 30% - Question Essay (1000 words)
• 70% - Self-directed project (2000 words)
• The exact assessment deadline dates are published on the relevant module Moodle/BLE page

Suggested reading

Core reading

• Gambier, Yves & Gottlieb, Henrik (eds) (2001) (Multi)Media Translation: Concepts, Practices, and Research, Amsterdam: John Benjamin Publishing
• Gottlieb, Henrik (1994)  “Subtitling: Diagonal Translation”. Perspectives: Studies in Translatology 2(1) 101-121.
• Trosborg, Anna (ed) (1997) Text Typology and Translation, Amsterdam: John Benjamin Publishing
• Taylor, Christopher (1999) “The Subtitling of Film Dialogue: an economic use of language"
• Dries, Josephine (1995) Dubbing and Subtitling: Guidelines for Production and Distribution, European Institute for the Media
• Kovacic, Irena (1998) “Six Subtitlers – Six Subtitling Texts”, In Lynne Bowker, Michael Cronin, Dorothy Kenny & Jennifer Pearson (eds.) Unity in Diversity? – Current Trends in Translation Studies, Manchester: St Jerome
• Pedersen, Jan (2011) Subtitling Norms for Television: an exploration focussing on extralinguistic cultural references, Amsterdam: John Benjamin Publishing

Additional reading

• Reiss, K & Vermeer, H (2013) Towards a General Theory of Translational Action, London: Routledge
• Ellender, C (2015) Dealing with Difference in Audiovisual Translation, Oxford: Peter Language
• Cintas, A. D. & Remael, A (2007) Audiovisual Translation: Subtitling, London: Routledge
• Cronin, M (2009) Translation Goes to the Movies, London: Routledge
• Orero, P (2004) Topics in Audiovisual Translation, Amsterdam: John Benjamin Publishing
• Dwye, T (2017) Speaking in Subtitles: Revaluing Screen Translation, Edinburgh: Edinburgh University Press
• De Linde, Z (1999) The Semiotics of Subtitling, London: Routledge

Disclaimer

Important notice regarding changes to programmes and modules