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Marta Wisowska
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June 08, 2023
15 min read

The Clash: Media Localization vs Audiovisual Translation

The Clash: Media Localization vs Audiovisual Translation

 

 

 

 

The media and entertainment industry is at its peak:

 

  • The U.S. Media and Entertainment (M&E) industry is the largest in the world at $660 billion (of the $2 trillion global market)
  • The uptick in streaming services and subscriptions for digital media in 2020 has been a boom for the MVoD, Video Games, and Music sectors
  • Video games revenue, which rose 32% between 2019 and 2021, will rise at an 8.4% CAGR through 2026, creating a US$321bn industry (according to PwC)

 

 

 

 

ME spending is Spending is rising most rapidly in developing countries, according to PwC.

 

 

 

With content being created in different languages, it becomes crucial to make it accessible to a broader audience across borders. This is where media localization and audiovisual translation come into play.

 

Media localization refers to adapting audiovisual content for a specific target market or region by modifying or changing some aspects in the range to suit better the local audience's culture, language, and preferences.

 

Audiovisual Translation (AVT) is a subset of translation that deals specifically with audiovisual material like films, TV shows, and other multimedia productions.

 

This blog article will explore everything you need to know about media localization and AV translation. We will cover everything from understanding the different types of media and AVT techniques to discussing the challenges faced during these processes.

 

We will also highlight the differences between media localization and audiovisual translation and who can handle these tasks efficiently.

 

 

Read on to understand how media localization and AV translation can help you take your content global!

 

 

 


 

 

 

Related content: A Guide To Understanding Translation and Localization



 


 

 

 

 

Understanding Media Localization

 

 

 

In today's world, where globalization is at its best, media localization vs audiovisual translation has become essential to communication with viewers and audiences worldwide. Media localization involves adapting different types of content, like audio and video games, to suit the target audience's cultural and linguistic requirements.

 

 

 

 

Linguists, project managers, and multimedia experts work together to offer services like subtitling, voiceover, dubbing, closed captioning, sign language interpreting, audio description, etc., to make the content more accessible.

 

 

 

 

To make the content more accessible, linguists, project managers, and multimedia experts work together to offer services like:

 

 

  • Video game localization
  • Subtitling
  • Voice-over
  • Dubbing
  • Closed captioning
  • Sign language interpreting
  • Audio description
  • Transcription services, etc.,

 

 

They use various tools and methods while ensuring quality assurance. Effective media localization requires a deep understanding of the target audience's cultural and linguistic nuances without compromising SEO optimization.

 

 

 

 

 

Different Types of Media Localization

Adapting multimedia content to different languages and cultures is crucial today. Media localization vs. audiovisual translation is an essential topic that needs to be addressed. The different types of media localization include subtitling, dubbing, voiceover, and closed captioning.

 

Subtitles translate spoken words or give additional information, while dubbing replaces original audio with target language translations. Voiceovers add translated audio over authentic dialogues without entirely replacing them. At the same time, closed captioning provides written transcripts for those who are deaf or hard of hearing.

 

 

 

 

 

Why is Media Localization Important?

Media localization is crucial in adapting content to fit specific audiences' language, culture, and technical requirements. It allows businesses to expand globally by improving engagement and user experience. Localization includes translation, adaptation of visual elements, and working with experts to ensure accurate messaging. Effective localization helps avoid cultural misunderstandings.

 

Thanks to media localization, your viewers will have a better viewing experience. They will feel more connected to the content because it speaks directly to them in their language and culture.

 

 

 

 

Thanks to media localization, your viewers will have a better viewing experience. They will feel more connected to the content because it speaks directly to them in their language and culture.

 

 

 

 

Media localization also helps businesses establish themselves in new markets and build trust with their target audience. Media localization is vital in creating a successful global presence for any business or content creator.

 

 

 

 

 

Challenges of Multimedia Localization

During media localization vs audiovisual translation, project managers face numerous challenges while adapting different types of content for the target audience across various cultures.

 

 

Challenges include:

 

 

  • Understanding cultural nuances and idioms
  • Localizing visual content
  • Translating audio and visuals precisely using tools like subtitling, dubbing, or voiceover
  • Ensuring accuracy in translation across different languages
  • Maintaining consistency in translation

 

 

Working closely with linguists and translators can help overcome these challenges with better project management techniques. The importance of media localization cannot be ignored in today's world, where globalization has made multimedia content universal.

 

 

 

 

 

Media Localization Process

To ensure media content is well-received by its target audience in different countries and cultures, it's essential to translate and adapt it to cultural differences. The media localization process entails various tasks, such as translation, cultural adaptation, voiceover recording, subtitling, and closed captioning and audio description services.

 

 

 

 

 

An experienced team that includes linguists and subject matter experts is required to ensure accuracy in adapting multimedia content for the target language.

 

 

 

 

An experienced team that includes linguists and subject matter experts is required to ensure accuracy in adapting multimedia content for the target language. By leveraging advanced technology solutions like SEO optimization techniques or machine learning algorithms, today's world has made it easier to expand your reach globally.

 

 

 

 


 

 

 

Related content: How Much Does It Cost to Translate a Video? [Rates, Factors & Savings]

 

 

 


 

 

 

 

What is Audiovisual Translation?

 

 

 

Audiovisual translation is translating audio and video content into another language. This includes spoken dialogue, on-screen text, and other audiovisual elements for movies, TV shows, and multimedia content.

 

 

 

Audiovisual translation is translating audio and video content into another language. This includes spoken dialogue, on-screen text, and other audiovisual elements for movies, TV shows, and multimedia content.

 

 

 

 

The aim is to produce a natural-sounding translation that accurately reflects the original meaning while adapting the content to suit cultural and linguistic differences. AV translation requires fluency in both languages and a thorough grasp of cultural subtleties.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Definition of Audiovisual Translation

Audiovisual Translation (AVT) involves translating various types of content, including films, TV shows, and videos, from one language to another. This process includes subtitling, dubbing, and voiceover services that help make the content easily accessible to a broader audience.

 

Linguists with cultural knowledge and technical skills are required to execute the Audiovisual Translation process efficiently, as it is a vital aspect of media localization. AVT helps promote globalization by enabling individuals from different linguistic backgrounds to understand multimedia content.

 

 

 

 


 

 

 

Related content: 3 Things to Expect From Voice Over Companies for the Best Outcome

 

 

 


 

 

 

Voice-Over in Audiovisual Translation

Voiceover services aid in providing instructional or informative videos to target audiences worldwide by translating them into their respective languages without losing the essence of the original.

 

It involves a professional translator narrating the text in the source language. It helps viewers understand it without missing out on any crucial information. Voiceover service ensures that your project reaches its maximum potential by making it accessible to people who speak different languages.

 

 

 

 

 

Dubbing in Audiovisual Translation

Professional linguists use advanced tools to provide accurate dubbing services for multimedia content. Dubbing in audiovisual translation (AVT) requires linguistic skills, cultural sensitivity, and technical knowledge.

 

It is an integral part of media localization that enables a global audience to understand audiovisual content in their preferred language. Well-executed dubbing services can lead to increased engagement on social media platforms and better SEO rankings for video content.

 

 

 

 

Subtitling and Captioning in Audiovisual Translation

Subtitling plays a crucial role in globalizing video content. It involves adding text in the target language that accurately conveys what is being said without compromising cultural sensitivity. Professional subtitling services are recommended to ensure high-quality subtitles catering to the target audience's needs and preferences. Audiovisual translation involving subtitling is essential for making video content accessible to audiences not speaking the source language.

 

 

 

 

The Challenges of Audiovisual Translation

Translating multimedia content involves language skills and cultural and technical knowledge. Audiovisual translation (AVT) includes subtitling, dubbing, voiceover, and closed captioning for audiovisual content like films, TV shows, or video games.

 

 

There are many challenges to this process, including:

 

 

  • Linguistic differences between source and target languages
  • Cultural preferences of the target audience
  • Lack of similar concepts between cultures to explain references
  • The need to rewrite content for specific audiences
  • Technical requirements that make AVT demanding
  • Ensuring that translations are accurate, fluent, and culturally sensitive
  • Using appropriate terminology

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Media Localization vs Audiovisual Translation

 

 

 

There is often confusion between media localization and audiovisual translation in academia and the translation industry. Although both share similarities in terms of overall objective (i.e., making multimedia content more accessible for target audiences), there is a fundamental difference between these two concepts that set them apart.

 

 

 

 

Media localization refers to adapting multimedia content such as video games or social media posts so that they can resonate with a particular culture or language (usually using captions or subtitling).

 

 

 

 

Media localization refers to adapting multimedia content such as video games or social media posts so that they can resonate with a particular culture or language (usually using captions or subtitling).

 

In contrast, audiovisual translation involves transcribing spoken words into another language (through techniques such as dubbing or voiceovers). If you want to expand your market reach while maintaining an authentic connection with consumers abroad, it's essential to understand these differences.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Who can do AV Translation Tasks?

 

 

 

Audiovisual translation requires specialized translators who understand the source's and target languages' cultural nuances. They should have access to proper equipment and software. Working with reputable professionals, such as experienced freelancers or agencies, is vital for high-quality AV translation.

 

 

 

 

Audiovisual translation tasks require specialized translators who understand the source's and target languages' cultural nuances. They should have access to proper equipment and software.

 

 

 

 

 

Machine Translations in AVT and Media Localization

When translating multimedia content today, it's essential to understand the differences between media localization and audiovisual translation. Although often misconstrued as synonymous, they differ significantly.

 

One aspect of this topic includes machine translations in AVT and media localization services for adapting multimedia assets to fit different markets or cultures. Machine translation is a good choice when dealing with straightforward content that requires no cultural adaptation.

 

However, human translators are the best option for complex and culturally sensitive materials. They can accurately capture the nuances of language, tone, and cultural references while ensuring your message is successfully conveyedInvesting to your target audience. Investing in quality translation services will help you reach new markets and build strong relationships with your global audiences.

 

The art of choosing appropriate translation tools and methods calls for professional linguists or project managers who can handle closed captioning with subtitles or voiceover services for target audiences worldwide.

 

 

 

 

Translation Tools and Methods

Audiovisual translation is complete with choosing the appropriate tools and methods that complement the project's requirements. Professional translators specializing in multimedia content can provide high-quality translations while ensuring the accuracy and clarity of the message delivered to the target audience. Collaborating with project managers, linguists, and experts can help you achieve your goals effectively.

 

Professional language companies work with tools, such as CAT (Computer-Assisted Translation), MT (Machine Translation), and TMS (Translation Management Systems), to ensure that the translation process is efficient and effective.

 

 

 

 


 

 

 

Related content: 7 Things Your Translation Project Manager Handles for You So You Don’t Have To

 

 

 


 

 

 

 

Benefits of Hiring Language Experts for AV Translation

Language companies are highly beneficial for audiovisual translation. AV translators with knowledge of both the source and target languages play a crucial role. Their expertise includes understanding cultural nuances and technical aspects of multimedia content and using specialized software tools to ensure accuracy and consistency throughout translation.

 

Language companies offer services such as subtitling, dubbing, voiceover, closed captioning, captioning services, multimedia localization, and more for different types of audiovisual content like video or social media. Choosing a reliable language company for your audiovisual translation needs ensures that your project is handled by professional linguists specializing in AVT or media localization.

 

 

Other benefits of working with a professional language company are:

 

 

1. Consistency: Professional language companies ensure that the translation is consistent throughout, irrespective of the format or platform of the content.

2. Time-saving: Language companies have experts who can use advanced software tools and translation memory to speed up the translation process while maintaining quality.

3. Cost-effectiveness: Collaborating with a language company for your audiovisual translation needs can save you money in the long run due to their expertise in optimizing time and resources.

4. Quality assurance: Language companies employ quality assurance methods to ensure that the translations meet industry standards and comply with regulations.

5. Cultural sensitivity: Professional language companies have a team of translators who understand the cultural context of both the source and target languages. This ensures that the translations are culturally appropriate and resonate with your target audience.

 

 

 

 

Share Your Bright Ideas!

 

 

 

Media localization and audiovisual translation are crucial for businesses that operate globally and want to communicate effectively with their target audience. The process of media localization involves adapting content, images, audio, and video to match the cultural and linguistic preferences of a specific region or country.

 

 

 

Share Your Bright Ideas! We'll help you make it happen - audiovisual and media localization

 

 

 

On the other hand, audiovisual translation is focused explicitly on translating audiovisual content such as movies, TV shows, and documentaries. While machine translations can be cost-effective, they may not consistently deliver the quality that professional translations can provide. Collaborating with a language company for your audiovisual translation needs can offer several advantages. For instance, it saves you time as language companies use advanced software tools and translation memory to speed up the translation process while maintaining quality. Moreover, it is cost-effective in the long run due to expertise in optimizing time and resources.

 

Moreover, professional language companies employ quality assurance methods to ensure that the translations meet industry standards and comply with regulations. They also have a team of translators who understand the cultural context of the source and target languages. This ensures that the translations are culturally appropriate and resonate with your

 

Contact us today to learn how language companies can help your business with audiovisual translation and media localization needs.

 

 

 

 

 


 

 

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