Audiovisual Translation

Learning Outcomes

Subject Specific Intellectual and Research Skills

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

• extract the essence of aural texts and compress them in writing;
• identify problems when required to create your own monolingual or interlingual subtitles for clips ;
• evaluate and choose appropriate strategies for dealing with subtitling problems;
• critique and evaluate subtitles produced by yourself or others;

Knowledge and Understanding

Having successfully completed this module, you will be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:

• how a professional subtitling package works
• the cultural and linguistic issues that need to be considered when subtitling (taboo words, register, dialects, humour etc);
• the stylistic conventions and technical constraints of subtitling ;
• the different types of audiovisual translation and how different subtitles are needed for different users;

Subject Specific Practical Skills

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

• use a professional subtitling package;
• produce interlingual subtitles
• produce basic monolingual subtitles and subtitles for the deaf and hard of hearing;

Transferable and Generic Skills

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

• produce work to deadlines;
• explain and justify your choices both in writing and orally;

This module provides an overview of the different types of audiovisual translation and teaches you how to use a professional subtitling package. Towards the start of the module, you will begin to familiarise yourself with the subtitling software by initially creating monolingual subtitles (i.e. creating subtitles in English of clips in English). This will allow you to learn about the technical constraints of subtitles and help you to develop confidence and speed in dealing with them. You will then move on to creating subtitles for clips in other languages (interlingual subtitles). The module will also include a consideration of some of the linguistic and cultural issues in subtitling, such as dealing with humour, register, dialect and taboo language which will allow you to identify problems and develop strategies for undertaking your own interlingual subtitles.

Teaching and learning methods will include tutor-led presentations and demonstrations to introduce you to the different forms of audiovisual translation and the main spatial, temporal and technical issues and constraints involved in creating subtitles. Tutor-led demonstrations will also show you how to use the software. Whole class and small group work will centre on the evaluation and critique of subtitles produced by others and the discussion of strategies for creating new subtitles. As well as using the subtitling software in class, you will expected to work with the software independently to develop your skills and to prepare subtitles of clips for in-class discussion. You will also be required to view subtitled clips in preparation for class discussion and to undertake academic reading relating to subtitling issues.

Summative

This is how we’ll formally assess what you have learned in this module.

Referral

This is how we’ll assess you if you don’t meet the criteria to pass this module.

Repeat

An internal repeat is where you take all of your modules again, including any you passed. An external repeat is where you only re-take the modules you failed.