TRANSLATION SERVICE
Subtitle Translation and Creation
SIGNEWORDS’ audiovisual translation service includes subtitle translation and phonetic adjustment for dubbing and voice-over.
Subtitle translation and creation bring together text and sound, ensuring that an audiovisual product is received and understood in different languages, thus engaging with broader audiences.
Products that require audiovisual and subtitle translation
To produce natural subtitles and audiovisual translation services, the professional translator needs to:
- Consider whether the language has been written to be read or to be spoken.
- Respect the reading and rhythm patterns that differ in each situation and scene.
- Regard the target culture to localize the text.
Fiction
- feature films
- TV series
Information-based
- bulletins
- interviews
- debates
- reports
- informative programs
- documentaries
- chronicles
Advertising
- campaigns
- advertisements
- advertising reports
Entertainment
- competitions
- magazine programs
- reality shows
Subtitle translation
- Transcription of the text from the script to the same language spoken. Delivery in SubRip (.srt) format, which includes the time code.
- Translation of the script text into other languages, having delivered the transcription of the original text or directly delivering the translated text, according to the customer’s choice.
- Inserting subtitles and delivering subtitled videos in original audio language or translated into any other language.
Adjusting and translation for dubbing and voiceover
Phonetic adjustment in dubbing refers to adapting speech to match the lip movements of a character on screen – particularly regarding open vowels and labial consonants while preserving the dialogue’s original meaning, emotion, and tone.
It involves a combination of linguistic expertise, voice acting skills, and technical precision.
Here’s how it works:
1. Script Adaptation: The original script is translated into the target language while ensuring that the translated dialogue fits the lip movements of the characters as closely as possible. This may involve rephrasing, paraphrasing, or even changing the timing of certain lines.
2. Voice Recording: Professional voice actors record the translated dialogue in a recording studio. They must pay close attention to the timing and rhythm of the original dialogue to ensure synchronization with the on-screen lip movements.
3. Phonetic Alignment: During the recording process, the actors may need to adjust their pronunciation, pacing, and emphasis to match the character’s lip movements. This can involve elongating or shortening certain sounds, altering intonation, or emphasizing specific syllables.
4. Quality Control: Once the voice recordings are complete, technicians carefully review the dubbed footage to ensure that the audio matches the lip movements as closely as possible. Any discrepancies or inconsistencies are addressed through further editing and adjustments.
5. Final Mixing: The dubbed dialogue is mixed with the original soundtrack, sound effects, and music to create a seamless audio experience for the audience.
Phonetic adjustment in dubbing requires a keen ear for language nuances, excellent vocal control, and a deep understanding of the cultural context of the original material. It’s a challenging but essential aspect of the dubbing process, as it plays a crucial role in maintaining the integrity and authenticity of the original performance while making it accessible to audiences who speak different languages.
Subtitle translation for videos, movies, fiction series, and animation
To translate fiction is particularly sensitive, as there is a poetic and intentional element to it that is sometimes difficult to interpret to maintain the original meaning and aim.
The audiovisual translation for fiction makes it necessary to consider the following:
- Filming period.
- Context in which the different languages heard are used.
The varying levels of formality in each situation within the story.
In addition, fiction may involve the use of different languages, such as:
- Slang.
- Professional sectors including:
- law
- healthcare
- education
- architecture
- travel
- mathematics
- science
- geography
- tourism
- history
- music
- computing
- gastronomy
- Differing segments of the population as:
- children
- adolescents
- elderly people
- etc.
- Or social groups.
To obtain a satisfactory result that is equal to the original, the linguistic services applied to audiovisual products must also adjust to the image on tape, especially the lip movements of characters sync.
It is essential to point out that this is not just the case in movies and shows broadly, but it also applies in particular to animated features and series, in which the characters’ facial motions have been synchronized with the original script’s language.
Interviews translation
The profile of the linguist who translate interviews should have a journalistic background to understand the structure of this genre and know about the different types of interviews that exist, including:
- informative
- of a divulgation character
- profiles
- interpretative
- opinions
Besides, they must keep in mind the aim of their publication, know from which kind of channel the information was gathered and how it is going to be divulged, if it is an open or closed interview and other nuts and bolts.
That the translator is able to render all of these factors accurately is crucial when it comes to obtaining a true, fine-tuned, and precise translation service.
Documentaries and reports translation
In this case, the professional translator or team of translators in charge must know the subject dealt with in the tape, as documentaries usually involve a certain level of experience and complexity.
Even if you are dealing with a documentary or informative report that is for the general public, who are not experts in the material, the translator analyzing each part of the text should acknowledge the following:
- specific language
- style
vocabulary
The translator will come across these factors in pieces that can require analysis and study.
Advertising translation and localization service
A seasoned translator considers the spirit of the message to achieve a professional translation that distances itself from the literal meaning.
Only a linguist with training or extensive experience who can translate marketing will obtain an audiovisual translation that reflects the idea that the brand wants to transmit.
Besides, we consider the translation localization on matters such as the following:
- Idiosyncratic nature of the recipients
- Advertisement turn of phrase
- Dual meanings
In-depth knowledge of the society and culture of the recipients of the message
These concepts are also essential in order not to commit fatal errors that undermine the message or offer an image that is far from the initial purpose.
In the case of advertising reports, that the translator in charge knows the specific service or product being sold will help ensure that the audiovisual translation is more effective and closer to the original script.
Translation of entertainment shows
The translation of shows within the entertainment field, such as:
- competitions
- magazine shows
- reality shows
Must achieve:
- connecting with the viewers
- ensuring a successful translation
We can translate these types of programs for the following purposes:
- dubbing
- subtitles
In both cases, bearing in mind that the language is usually:
- relaxed
- natural
- direct
- sometimes, even comic
The translator needs to be a professional linguist connoisseur of:
- the society and culture
- the source and target languages
Moreover, this type of television format can fail due to an inadequate translation because:
- it should not seem forced
- it needs to reflect the personality of the
- protagonists
- competitors
- participants
- guests:
- their tics
- the unique traits of how they use language
That is where the format’s essence lies. That is why it is the audiovisual translator’s responsibility to ensure it engages with the target audience.