Module overview
This module will introduce you to the different types of audiovisual translation and the various kinds of subtitles produced nowadays. You will learn about the interaction between text and image and the technical issues and constraints involved in creating both monolingual and interlingual subtitles in English and Mandarin Chinese. The module will cover the linguistic and cultural aspects of subtitling, whilst allowing you to develop hands-on practical skills using a professional subtitling package. You will work with clips both in English and Chinese and carry out tasks such as spotting, as well producing subtitles that meet the constraints imposed by subtitling commissions. You will develop the skills for identifying significant cultural and linguistic issues and choosing appropriate strategies for dealing with them. The module will also give you an introduction to theoretical aspects of subtitling that will provide a basis if you decide to focus on this area for your masters dissertation.
Aims and Objectives
Learning Outcomes
Knowledge and Understanding
Having successfully completed this module, you will be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:
- the stylistic conventions and technical constraints of subtitling
- the cultural and linguistic issues that need to be considered when subtitling (cultural references, taboo words, register, dialects, humour etc)
- how different subtitles are needed for different users
Subject Specific Intellectual and Research Skills
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- draw on the reading and research undertaken during the module to to identify problems and provide effective solutions in subtitling practical
Transferable and Generic Skills
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- produce subtitles to tight deadlines
- extract the essence of aural texts and compress them in writing
Subject Specific Practical Skills
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- produce interlingual subtitles that meet professional standards
- transfer meaning successfully between English-Chinese in multimedia texts
- use a professional subtitling package
Syllabus
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 . 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 interlingual subtitles in the English-Chinese language pair. The module you will also include a consideration of some of the linguistic and cultural issues in subtitling, such as dealing with extralinguistic culture references, humour, register, dialect and taboo language which will allow you to identify problems and develop strategies for undertaking your own interlingual subtitles that effectively address these issues.
Learning and Teaching
Teaching and learning methods
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 to inform your practice.
| Type | Hours |
|---|---|
| Preparation for scheduled sessions | 46 |
| Completion of assessment task | 20 |
| Lecture | 24 |
| Wider reading or practice | 60 |
| Total study time | 150 |
Resources & Reading list
General Resources
Software. You will need to use WinCaps Subtitling Software. The School of Humanities currently has 28 licences for the software.
Textbooks
Jorge Diaz Cintas and Aline Remael (2021). Subtitling Concepts and Practices.. London: Routledge.
Assessment
Assessment strategy
The timed assignment requires students to produce subtitles for a fast turnaround which reflects how quickly subtitlers need to produce their work on audiovisual texts like recent news reports. The practical subtitling assignment allows students more time to research what they are subtitling which is the case for producing prepared subtitles for dvds, streaming platforms and TV series.
Summative
This is how we’ll formally assess what you have learned in this module.
| Method | Percentage contribution |
|---|---|
| Class Test | 50% |
| Practical subtitling assignment | 50% |
Referral
This is how we’ll assess you if you don’t meet the criteria to pass this module.
| Method | Percentage contribution |
|---|---|
| Practical subtitling assignment | 100% |
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.
| Method | Percentage contribution |
|---|---|
| Practical subtitling assignment | 50% |
| Timed Assignment | 50% |
Repeat Information
Repeat type: Internal & External