Subtitling and Closed Captioning

Subtitling is a translation on an audio-visual platform. It is translation of spoken dialogue, narration and off-screen conversations. The translations are available on screen for the viewer to read. In this way, a conversation in a foreign language film becomes readable for an audience that does not speak or understand the language of the film.

Video subtitle translation has its own rules, specifications and procedures and use tools different from other computer aided translation (CAT) tools. Thus, it is a translation that has restrictions of time and space which directly affect the final result. Subtitle does not only consist of translating the textual context, but also supporting other aspects of video and audio. Video translations promptly transpose the dialogue and make them accessible to the foreign audience. 

Phases of Subtitling:

1. Spotting – In this the start and the end time is derived so that they are synchronized with the audio and also the maximum and minimum duration times need to be adhered.
2. Translation – Translating from the source language and also accommodating the characters which are permitted for subtitling. The connectedness of the audience with the foreign plot, screenplay and language is ensured. 
3. Correction – The complete sentence structure, comprehension and the overall translation need to be corrected wherever required. The subtitles should be split so that everyone can understand and also it matches the criteria of Subtitling.
4. Online translation services are integral to video subtitling and professional LSPs are the best resort to guarantee process efficiency, accuracy and high quality. 

Difference between Subtitles and Closed Captions

Although closed captions (CCs) and subtitles look similar, they are used for two different purposes.

Subtitles provide a text alternative for the dialogue of video footage – the spoken words of characters, narrators and other voice over artists.

Closed Captions supplement on-screen dialogue and also relevant parts of the soundtrack – describing background noises that are relevant for the viewer, considering that he would view the film on mute. The prompt connection of foreign dialogue with a local audience enhances viewership and market for the content developer and gives greater range and access to the consumer. 

Subtitles assume that the conversation is audible to the audience, but need the dialogue provided in text form as well. On the other hand, closed captioning is for an audience that cannot hear the audio (either due to hearing disability) and requires a text description of what they would otherwise be hearing (for ease of viewing from a distance or in silence). 

Quality assurance in subtitling ensures that the audiences feels connected to the goings on on the screen despite the foreign language. 

Process of Subtitling:

• Client sends videos for Subtitling
• Next translation is been carried out along with the time stamping
• Next .srt file is been created.
• At last the .srt file is imported to the video.

WordPar International provides subtitling services for film, television and broadcasting companies across the globe. Subtitling from and to various languages, we have a very wide network of competent translators and technical support for accurate translation and timing.