Your guide to translating audio and video texts

Your guide to translating audio and video texts

The demand for translators is increasing day by day due to the promising opportunities in the field of translation for those wishing to enter its world. If you love foreign languages, and want to try working in the field of translation, do not hesitate, because working in this field is more fun and profitable than you can imagine!

translating audio and video texts

table of contents:

• What is translating audio and video texts?
• Types of text translation
• Text translation skills
• The importance of translating audio and video texts
• How to translate visual and audio texts
• The best professional translation sites
• The best professional translation software
• Golden tips to become a better translator

What is the translation of audio-visual texts?

Audiovisual subtitling, dialogue subtitling, subtitling, and Closed Captioning are used to translate texts in movies, series, TV shows, video games, and other audio-visual media. The purpose of these two translations is to explain and clarify, that the text is written in a foreign language that the viewer does not understand (as in the translation of the dialogue), or is not available or is not clear (as in the text translation).

The translation of audio-visual texts is based on translating the audio: including audio dialogue, sound and musical effects, and translating the image: including written dialogue or written texts within the course of the program or film, whether those texts are in the same language or another foreign language. The translated texts are then displayed on the screen, usually at the bottom of the screen.

Types of text translation

The translation is divided according to its type into the following:

translation

In it, texts written in one language are translated into another, as in the translation of novels, folk stories, articles, personal and legal documents of all kinds, and the like.

Interpretation

It includes consecutive translation, in which the translator listens to the person speaking, and after the speaker is silent, the translation begins, as in conferences, official meetings, and interviews between senior officials. It also includes simultaneous interpretation, in which the translator listens to the speaker and translates at the same time, and it is considered one of the most difficult types of translation at all, as in live television programmes.

Translating audio and video texts

It translates movies, documentaries, series, TV shows, and more. The translator often needs to know and understand the vernacular, along with the standard language of foreign languages.

On the other hand, translation is divided according to the field of translation into:

General translation

It is a general translation of texts and is not specialized in a specific field, such as articles published in newspapers and magazines, content of websites and blogs on the Internet, as well as a description of the products and services of electronic stores.

Scientific translation

Through which information contained within scientific texts is transferred from one language to another, in order without any addition or change. In order to ensure a correct translation, the translator must be familiar with the scientific field to which the research belongs, as in the translation of research, studies and scientific reports.

Literary translation

It specializes in translating literary texts such as poetry, prose, story, novel, and the like, taking into account the understanding of the original author's circumstances, motives, emotions, even his sense of humor. Arrangement is not required here, the important thing is to use the appropriate literary style.

Technical translation

It is concerned with translating user manuals, product descriptions, operating and maintenance instructions, describing the working mechanisms of technologies, devices, and the like, and therefore requires a bit of experience. It is intended for a limited audience and is used in engineering, industrial and technical fields in general.

medical translation

Includes translation of medical information related to medical devices, supplies, and medicines, research results, medical reports, and others. It requires high accuracy and caution due to the sensitivity of the medical field such as: translation of medical reports, research papers, medical and pharmaceutical products, prescription of medical devices, etc.

financial translation

It specializes in translating financial and banking documents, such as annual financial reports for companies, contracts, statements of financial transactions, and so on.

Legal translation

It includes the translation of texts, contracts and legal documents of all kinds, such as: laws, legislative regulations, agreements, commercial contracts, licenses, summonses to appear before the court, minutes of court sessions and the like.

commercial translation

It specializes in translating commercial documents related to business and economic activities, such as: company reports, tenders, commercial correspondence, and the like.

Administrative translation

It specializes in translating texts and administrative documents used in different companies.

Text translation skills

Some believe that mastering a foreign language is a sufficient reason to enter the world of translation from its wide door, and leave their creative fingerprints in this field, but this is unfortunately not true, as there are qualities and skills that are necessary for a translator to have a professional job. Here are the most important skills that will help you become the best text translator:

1. Language skills

The translator must be familiar with all language skills in the source language from which he is translating and the target language into which he is being translated. This means his knowledge of the four basic language skills (listening, speaking, reading and writing), as well as language sciences such as grammar, morphology, spelling, rhetoric and meanings. The translator must have a rich linguistic collection of words, expressions, sound pronunciation, the ability to be linguistically creative, and so on.

2. Analytical skills

It is necessary to look at the foreign text or film to be translated in full with attention to details, and after understanding and comprehending the idea around it well, the material is divided into several parts, which helps to organize the translation process and improve its quality, based on a comprehensive analysis and understanding, and not literally the text to be translated. .

3. Listening and recall skills

The translator must listen carefully to everything that is going on in the audio material and pay attention to everything that is written in the visual material. On the other hand, it is desirable to have a strong memory and quick intuition, to retrieve the appropriate terms in the desired language, which accurately express the words and expressions in the source language.

4. Computer skills

Like any other profession in the twenty-first century, text translation requires knowledge of basic computer and Internet usage, Microsoft Office software, CAT tools, translation websites and software, and keyboard touch typing skills.

5. The ability to adapt to work requirements

Working in text translation requires you to be calm, patient and able to work long hours as the job demands, as well as to have flexibility and time management skills, in order to meet deadlines as per schedule. Effective communication skills will benefit you in knowing how to communicate effectively with your customers.

6. Translation Ethics

A translator is an intermediary between two languages, and he must convey information between them with integrity, even if the content does not correspond to his whims and ideas. It must be very accurate, due to the sensitivity of the translation in the medical, legal, and the like fields, so there is no room for error or behavior that may change the meaning. The secretariat also requires maintaining the confidentiality of the texts he translates, so he does not display them in his exhibition except with the permission of the client or the entity for which he is translated.

7. General culture

It is necessary for the translator to be well-versed with multiple interests, which will reflect positively on the translated text, as understanding the context of the general circumstances in which the course of events takes place helps to reach a better and more in-depth translation.

8. Marketing skills

It is necessary for the translator to be good at marketing himself and the services he provides. The quality of the translation alone is not sufficient if he does not have the opportunity to use it. Therefore, the translator must find the appropriate marketing channels, so that he keeps his professional activity thriving.

9. Research skills

The translation of texts requires the use of multiple and reliable sources, to help the translator complete the translation process and increase its quality. It is necessary to know how to use those sources to find the required information, and the sources include: searching in dictionaries, dictionaries, books and references, as well as searching in web sites, computer programs and others.

The importance of translating audio and video texts

The importance of translating audio-visual texts lies in the fact that it is a link between different peoples, cultures and civilizations on the one hand, and that it is a means of transmitting information, ideas and news on a timely basis around the world on the other hand, and on the other hand, it can constitute a potential source of income for those wishing to enter this field. This type of subtitles has the advantage of being relatively low-cost, it is 15% cheaper compared to dubbing, and it also preserves the originality of the film, because viewers will be able to hear the dialogues, and various scenes of the movie or TV show in the original language.

There are wide options available for the translator who wants to work in translating audio-visual texts. For example, he can work in one of the state’s departments, especially the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and its embassies or the Ministry of Information and others, as well as in translation institutes and colleges if higher educational degrees and sufficient experience are available, as well as the possibility of working In a private company or opening a translation office. You can hire yourself as a translation service provider on one of the freelance platforms, such as the Khamsat platform, the largest Arab market for buying and selling micro services.

Steps for translating audio and video texts

The audio-visual translation generally includes several sequential and integrated stages as follows:

1. First select the video or audio file you want to translate, then watch that whole clip more than once if necessary.
2. Choose the website or computer program that you will use to obtain the translation and insert it into the original passage, and prepare translation aids and resources (grammar and spell-checkers, dictionaries, dictionaries, etc.).
3. Specify exactly how long the clip appears and hears, i.e. when the subtitle text appears and when it disappears.
4. Insert the corresponding subtitles on the screen at the desired sync.
5. Finally comes the revision and revision stage, with the aim of improving the quality of translation and correcting errors, if any.

As for inserting ready-made subtitles into the movie or video clip, you can do so using three basic methods:

First method

Search for a ready-made subtitle file for the required movie on a website, such as: Subscene.com, and type the name of the required file in the search box, so the site will display all the results in all available languages. After choosing the required subtitle file, upload it with a maximum size of one megabyte (MB), and usually with the extension (.SRT) or (.SUB). For old subtitle files, the extension is (.mov), (.avi) or (.mp4), then create a new folder for the movie and the downloaded subtitle file, and rename it with the same name as the movie, so that the media player will recognize it.

This method is simple and easy, and after using it, you can separate the subtitles from the movie or video clip at any time. Subtitles may not appear on the screen after following the previous steps. To solve this problem, you must drag and drop the subtitle file into the movie screen, and here the subtitles will start appearing immediately.

The second method

In this method, subtitles are combined into the movie file, so you only get one file. This requires the use of a program such as: MkvToolNix, you must download both the program and the translation file to your computer from the MkvToolNix site. After installing and running the program, browse for the movie and the subtitle file, then press start, and the program will start merging the subtitles with the file.

It should be noted that the movie cannot be separated from the subtitle file after using this method. You can also use video editing software, such as Premier, iMovie, and Windows Movie Maker, to write your own subtitles and embed them into your movie.

Third method

You can use this method if you have a Youtube channel and want to post a new video. The matter is simple here, all you have to do is prepare the subtitle file or download it to your computer, then add it with the video you publish by clicking on the Subtitles & CC tab, then click on Add new subtitle or CC, so that the video subtitles appear Or related explanations on the screen. But if you are just a browser for the content of Youtube channels, and you want to get a translation of the content you are watching, you can simply activate the subtitle feature and choose the desired language through the settings and Subtitles/CC buttons, and this is what many videos on this site provide.

If there is no ready-made subtitle for the movie or video clip, you must manually prepare a new subtitle and enter it in one of the following three ways:

First method

If the Arabic language is not available, download the movie subtitles in any language, preferably those written in Latin letters, bearing in mind that the file you uploaded should have the extension (.SRT) or (.SUB) in general, then rename the file with the extension (.docx), and go to Google Translate, click on the document translation option, then upload the translation file on the site, select the two languages you are translating between, to get a machine translation, then click on the translate button and download the translated file to get the required file with the extension (.docx), and then you can rely on your skills and extent Your language proficiency in order to revise the translation, and make the necessary corrections manually.

After reviewing the translation, change the file extension from (.docx) to (.srt) using one of the tools or sites such as: Toolslick to get a file with the extension (.srt). Then, rename the file to match the movie file name, and put them in one folder, to get the desired subtitled movie.

The second method

You can use one of the programs or websites to help create the subtitle file, such as: DotSub, Amara, and others. These sites enable you to watch the video while preparing the subtitles and write it manually, in the end, you will get a file with the extension (.SRT). Choose when the subtitles start and write them down, then mark when they disappear, and repeat until the end of the movie. When you have finished translating all the required scenes, click on the Finish button, then download the file with the extension (.SRT), taking into account the name of the movie itself and put them together in one folder.

Third method

Another simpler option is to use Notepad to type in the translation manually through a text editor, such as Windows Notepad. Click “Save As” at first, and rename the file as “Movie Name.SRT,” then set the encoding to “ANSI” for English subtitles, or “UTF-8” for other languages including Arabic. Then write the translation as required. Taking into account writing the translation in the following order, and press “enter” after each step:

• Translation number: 1 for the first translation, 2 for the second translation and so on.
• Translation time: It is written according to the formula: “hours: minutes: seconds: milliseconds.”
• Translation text: Your translation of the foreign text.
• Blank line: A blank line is left before the next translation line number.

Most popular movie subtitle sites

There are a large number of sites that can assist you in the translation process, we mention some of the most famous ones:

• fiverr: The largest Arab market for buying and selling microservices. It provides many professional translation services at economical prices for individuals and startups.
• upwork: The largest Arab freelance platform, through which you can hire professional translators to translate the films you want.
• Subscene: One of the best sites that you can use to download subtitle files for movies and series in various languages (including Arabic) on your computer.
• OpenSubtitles: It is also a great site, as it contains a large library of subtitle files for various movies and series in more than sixty languages.

Also, good sites that help you find ready-made subtitle files in various languages are: Isubtitles, YIFYSubtitles, and Movie Subtitles. In the event that you know exactly what you are looking for and do not want to waste time, you can use these sites in order to search for a subtitle file with specific specifications (required file format, upload date on the site, corresponding movie name, subtitle quality, etc.).

The best professional translation software

You can also use various programs on your PC to help you with the translation process, and add the translated texts to the movie or video clip. We list some of the most famous ones:

1. VLC program: It is a commonly used media player, which can be used to add subtitles and embed them with the movie. When using this program, it is necessary to make sure that the movie file and the subtitle file are in the same folder, and that they have the same name.
2. Joyo share Video Joiner: It is a professional video editing software with an easy-to-use interface. It can also be used to combine subtitles with the movie. It is compatible with subtitle files and videos with multiple extensions.
3. Wondershare UniConverter: It is one of the best video subtitle editors. It allows you to add subtitles and embed them into the movie by downloading it from the Opensubtitles.org website or from a computer. Thanks to its easy-to-use interface, this program is a suitable option if you are not technically savvy.
4. MKVToolNix: A software package that includes a set of tools for creating and inspecting MKV video files. It can also be used to combine subtitle files with videos. When using it, you must make sure that the movie file and the subtitle file are in the same folder and have the same name.
5. BS.Player is a multimedia player with advanced subtitle functions.
6. Subtitle Workshop: Used to add and edit subtitles for videos.

Among the most popular computer-based automatic text translation programs are Trados Studio, MemSource, Wordfast, Virtaal, and OmegaT.

Golden tips to become a better translator

In conclusion, we have collected for you some tips and notes, which will help you to translate audio-visual texts professionally:

1. It is necessary to possess the eligibility to practice the profession of translation, and this includes obtaining the required academic certificate, such as: a bachelor’s degree in translation or literature in the first degree, or obtaining official certificates proving proficiency in a foreign language at least, such as: TOEFL and IELTS and so on. In addition to having the required licenses and approvals from official authorities, if necessary.

2. It is necessary to delve into the languages that you have specialized in translating, and to be keen to learn and develop your skills constantly, by increasing your linguistic knowledge, constantly reading and listening to the various sources and media available in the two languages between which you translate.

3. It is useful to build a network of relationships that includes translators, translation offices, experts and academics specialized in linguistics and linguistics, to exchange experiences and benefit from their experiences and obtain support and assistance when needed.

4. While translating, pay attention to the seven textual criteria that reflect positively on the quality of the translation, and these criteria include: grammatical coherence of the text, coherence of the text, the writer’s intentions behind writing the text (intentionality), the reader’s acceptance of the text’s content or acceptability, and the extent to which the expectation exists And the unexpected in the text, and the relationship of the text because of the reading of the text, and finally the relationship of the text with other texts in the past and the future, and with the same topic and other topics.

5. When translating, cultural differences between the source language and the target language must be taken into account, to ensure acceptance and understanding of the translated text by the target audience, as well as studying the needs of the target market, and accurately identifying them in order to work to meet them.

6. The number of characters of the translated text and how long it appears on the screen is related to the average reading speed, which is about three words per second. for example; The text is placed at the bottom center of the screen, within a single line of between 35 and 45 characters (depending on the language you are translating into), for a duration of 1 to 5 seconds.

The text may be placed in two lines of 90 characters, for a duration of 4 to 6 seconds. If the text contains more characters, it must be modified, so that the number of characters in the two lines does not exceed 90 characters, or simply put three dots at the end of the two lines of the current translation, and the beginning of the next translation line to indicate that it is a continuation of the above.

7. The technical aspects related to cutting the translation texts must be carefully considered, so that the time they appear on the screen coincides with the sound and the image.

8. Choose an appropriate color for the subtitle text, taking into account the background colors of the scenes. Usually white is used.

9. Use simple and easy-to-understand language for the general public and appropriate to the context of the text, and select the words and terms that express the meaning of the original text as accurately as possible.

10. Include - before each speaker's speech during the dialogue between two people.

11. Write the numbers from 1 to 10 in letters (ie one, two...). Larger numbers are written in numbers (ie 100, 1000 and the like).

12. Use italics when conveying background speech in the absence of direct speech.

13. Abbreviate as much as possible in a way that does not negatively affect the meaning, to facilitate reading and not to make the viewer bored, for eloquence is in brevity as is well known.

14. Use the basic tools and supplies needed for translation, and this includes the appropriate work environment, i.e. the availability of a quiet and comfortable place away from distractions and sources of noise, as well as the availability of a computer connected to the Internet with a good speed, and equipped with basic programs, such as: Microsoft and programs specialized in translation of all kinds, as well as About dictionaries, dictionaries, etc.

15. Prepare in advance for the translation by watching the entire passage to be translated, deciding what type of translation you will follow, and configuring the sources and tools you will rely on. He set a plan of action, as the film is translated into several stages, interspersed with periods of rest, followed by a stage of revision and revision.

16. Create a resume that reflects your skills and experience as a translator, and a professional job fair that attracts clients. To get more job opportunities, you can create an account on the Fiverr platform.

17. If blindness in the diplomatic corps or international organizations is a long-term interest in you, we advise you to be fluent in two or more of the official languages of the United Nations (Chinese, Spanish, English, French, Russian and Arabic), and work in a related translation field.

Despite the emergence of machine translation based on artificial intelligence, the ancient translation profession will remain promising and profitable in the short term at least, according to statistics, the average annual salary of translators between Arabic and English languages is $49,953 in the United States of America. So do not miss the opportunity, invest your time in learning the foreign language you love and develop your translation skills.