Did you know that 80% of people prefer video subtitles when they watch a movie or video? We are living in a world where we are more interconnected than ever. Imagine you are watching the famous show Crash Landing on you and not understanding a word of it.
But, you see a subtitle option, and in an instant words appear at the bottom of the screen in a language you understand. How would you feel? A sense of relief, isn’t it? Now, you can easily follow the story.
It’s all possible because of subtitle translation. But what is a subtitle translation? In a simple definition, it translates a language ‘A’ into written subtitles in a language ‘B’. It can be considered the simplest explanation of subtitle translation.
But the reality is that it is far more complex. In this blog post, we will give you a detailed guide on what subtitle translation is, its importance, and how the subtitle translation process works.
So, get your popcorn ready!
What is Subtitle Translation?
Subtitle translation is the art of rendering spoken words from one language to another into written text typically displayed at the bottom of the screen during movies, TV shows, or other video content.
It can be considered a dual service that includes the subtitling of video footage and the translation of those subtitles into the target language. The main goal is to make audiovisual content accessible to the target audience by providing translations of dialogues.
An essential role is played in this by subtitle translators. They not only convert words from one language to another but also strive to convey emotions, cultural nuances, and the context of the original dialogue.
Overall, Subtitle translation plays a crucial role in breaking down language barriers, allowing viewers to enjoy and understand movies and TV shows from diverse linguistic backgrounds.
Importance of Subtitle Translation
The importance of subtitle translation could be underestimated. It holds an essential role in bridging linguistic and cultural gaps, making audiovisual content more accessible to a target audience.
Now you must be wondering why this subtitle translation and, most importantly, accurate translation are so necessary. You must have heard or watched the most famous Korean show, Squid Games, released in 2021. It was the most popular show of 2021 all around the world.
But did you know there was a lot of debate about the English subtitle translation? Many felt that the English translation was not according to the Korean language, and crucial aspects of the series got lost in translation.
Many bilingual Koreans felt that some dialogues got condensed in a way that changed the overall meaning of the scene.
For Instance
Many Korean netizens felt that the title of the first episode of Squid Game translates to ‘The day that the mugunghwa flower blossomed’, which was a reference to the game’s Korean name,’
The mugunghwa flower has blossomed’. This flower is also the national flower of South Korea. But for the English subtitles, it simply read, ‘Red Light, Green Light’ as the game is known in non-Korean speaking countries.
This subtitle translation of the game’s name erased the metaphorical meaning. Many reasons were accounted for; some even said that the audiovisual industry moves fast, time is money on TV, and there is no time to explain cultural differences.
But as our world gets closer and closer, it is essential to preserve language and cultural accuracy. For this reason, subtitles are a powerful tool for fostering cultural exchange by enabling you to enjoy movies and TV shows.
Beyond linguistic conversion, subtitle translation strives to preserve nuances, humor, and emotions, ensuring a more immersive and authentic viewing experience.
How Does the Subtitle Translation Process Work?
As you know, subtitle translation is a detailed process that involves linguistic expertise, cultural understanding, and technical proficiency. Here we have provided a general overview of how the subtitle translation process typically works.
1. Transcription
The first step in the subtitle translation process involves transcribing the original dialogue from audiovisual content. This step creates the written version of the spoken words, which serves as the foundation for the translation process.
2. Time-Coding
This is an important step because, in this case, each line of the transcription is time-coded to match the corresponding moments in the video. This ensures that the subtitles appear on the bottom of the screen synchronously with the spoken words.
Also, it is essential to match the character per second and character per limit according to the proposed guidelines.
3. Translation
Subtitle translation services or professional translators then translate the transcribed dialogue from the source language into the target language. It goes far beyond the literal translation because it aims to capture the cultural nuances, idioms, and context of the original content.
4. Subtitle Length and Readability
Now, when the subtitles get translated, it should ensure that the translated text fits within the constraints of the screen space. And it should also match the pace of the dialogue. Translators work to ensure that the subtitles are concise, easy to read, and do not overwhelm the viewer with too much text at once.
5. Editing and Adaptation
Subtitles are then edited and adapted according to the proposed guidelines to maintain accuracy while considering factors like reading speed, scene changes, and on-screen actions. The only purpose for this is to provide a seamless viewing experience.
Benefits of Subtitle Translation
When it comes to benefits, subtitle translation offers a range of benefits, contributing to a more inclusive and globally connected landscape. Here we have listed a few benefits of subtitle translation.
1. Access to a Wider Audience
When the subtitles are available in multiple languages, it allows the social media content creators to reach a global audience. Hence, breaking down language barriers and making movies, TV shows, and videos accessible to viewers worldwide.
2. Cultural Inclusivity
By providing subtitles in multiple languages, your content becomes more culturally inclusive. As we mentioned earlier, in the example of squid games, with subtitles in different languages, your viewers from diverse backgrounds can enjoy and understand the cultural nuances that are embedded in the original dialogue.
3. Language Learning Support
Subtitles can also serve as a valuable learning tool. It can help many language learners kick-start their journey into learning a new language. Language learners can benefit as the subtitles provide a visual aid to reinforce spoken words, improve vocabulary, and enhance comprehension skills.
Overall, subtitle translation makes your content more accessible, fostering global cultural exchange and enriching the global entertainment landscape.
Do you need a subtitling service? Or do you still have concerns and questions about subtitle translation?
Feel free to contact us at info@naargmedia.com. We will guide you very smoothly to make sure you are not left behind in the journey of subtitle creation.
