Summer Course in Audiovisual Translation

Applications will be considered until before the beginning of each module unless the module is full. This intensive course provides a theoretical framework for translators and researchers in the area of AVT as well as hands-on training with audiovisual material taken from different authentic contexts.

•    Module A: Audio Description for sensory access: English
•    Module B: Subtitling for sensory access: English
•    Module C: Interlingual subtitling: English into Arabic, English into French
•    Module D: Dubbing: English into Arabic, English into French

Course Structure and Timetable

Structure:

The course is divided in four components:

1. Dubbing and Voice-over (12 hours of language specific teaching)
   
   Dubbing - After a definition of dubbing, the interaction between text and image will be discussed and you will learn about the technical issues that constrain dubbing in terms of time and space. We will then take a look at the different conventions applied in what is considered standard practice intranslation for dubbing: take segmentation, dubbing symbols, lip-syncing and the emulation of oral discourse. All these concept will be illustrated with examples and clips. You will work with clips and will carry out some of the tasks pertaining to dubbing, like take segmentation (segmenting the translation according to different national conventions), insertion of dubbing symbols for voice talents, as well as the omnipresent lip-sync according to the constraints imposed by the medium. In a supportive environment, you will make a simulated dubbing in the class with the help of Windows Movie Maker or VirtualDub, so that you can experience the technical and technological dimensions of dubbing.
   
   Voiceover - This component starts with an introduction to voice-over as an audiovisual transfer mode which is gaining momentum in the international arena. Although references to fictional genres will be made, the focus will be on non-fiction (documentaries, interviews, corporate videos, etc.). After describing voice-over practice in Europe, the main features of this transfer mode as well as the various workflows will be summarised. Special attention will be paid to synchronisation issues and the language rewording that it often entails. You will translate and discuss various short clips that present different challenges, and specific software will be used to simulate voice-over.
2. Subtitling (12 hours of language specific teaching)
   
   After a definition and a survey of the different types of subtitles, the interaction between text and images will be discussed and you will learn about the technical issues that constrain subtitling in terms of time and space. We will then take a look at the different conventions applied in what is considered standard practice in interlingual subtitling, and examples of strategies such as segmentation, condensation and reformulation will be offered. You will work with clips and will carry out some of the tasks pertaining to subtitling, like the spotting or cueing (i.e. deciding the in and out times of the different subtitles) as well as the actual translation of the clip following the appropriate limitations imposed by the medium. In a supportive environment, you will produce and simulate your own translations and subtitles with the help of the professional subtitling software Ooona, so that you can experience the technical and technological dimensions of subtitling.
3. Subtitling for the Deaf and the Hard of Hearing (12 hours of teaching in English; no language-specific sessions)
   
   The component starts with an introduction to deafness aimed at becoming familiar with the audience. The specific requirements of subtitling for the deaf and hard-of hearing - textual, tone of voice, speaker identification sound effects - will be highlighted. The conventions and norms in place will be discussed. An insight into subtitling for deaf children will be presented and issues related to subtitling for young audiences will be discussed. You will translate and discuss various short clips that present different challenges, with the help of the professional subtitling software Ooona.
4. Audio Description for the Blind and the Partially Sighted (12 hours of teaching in English; no language-specific sessions)
   
   After a definition and brief introduction to the different types of audio descriptions available, you will be taken through the technical constraints of adding audio description to film, where image, sound and speech need to be perfectly understood in order to be taken into account when an all encompassing aural equivalent (AD) is in order. You will be working with different materials that will enhance your image reading skills and give you the basic tools needed to audio describe moving images.

Certificate of Completion

At the end of the course, you will receive a Certificate of Completion, provided that attendance has been satisfactory and you have completed your course projects.

Resources

UCL has a well-equipped multimedia Translation Lab with state-of-the-art facilities. You will have unlimited access to computers and the internet, translation software workstations, video and DVD viewing facilities, and subtitling workstations to allow you to work autonomously on your projects. Please note that the following information regarding resources is only relevant when the course takes place on campus and not online.

Tutors

All tutors are established trainers and professionals with close links to the industry and an encompassing knowledge of AVT.

• Dr Cécile Renaud will be teaching Subtitling from English into French. She holds an MPhil in Film and Televison Studies from University of Glasgow and a PhD in Film studies from University of Southampton. She is a Teaching Fellow at University College London.
• Dr Soledad Zárate will be teaching Subtitling for the Deaf and the Hard of Hearing. She has a PhD in Translation Studies from University College London, with a dissertation on Subtitling for Deaf Children. She teaches Audiovisual Translation and Media Accessibility at UCL.
• Dr Emmanouela Patiniotaki will be teaching Audio Description. She has been a professional translator since 2008, and has collaborated with various companies using a variety of translation tools. She teaches translation technology and accessibility. Her research focuses on the design of accessible educational and cultural environments and the use of assistive technology, automation tools and access services, for linguistic and sensory access to information, education and entertainment. She designs accessible content and provides SDH and AD, while she also teaches accessibility courses.
• Dr Alejandro Bolaños García-Escribano teaches (audiovisual) translation and Spanish language and culture at both the Centre for Translation Studies (CenTraS) and the Department of Spanish, Portuguese and Latin American Studies (SPLAS). He holds an MSc in Audiovisual Translation and a PhD in Translation Studies from University College London, UK. He also works as a freelance translator and subtitler.
• Dr Laura Mejías-Climent holds a PhD in Translation (Universitat Jaume I, Castellón) and works as a lecturer and researcher at the same university, as a member of the research group TRAMA. She has taught at the Universidad Pablo de Olavide and ISTRAD (Sevilla), and teaches at the Universidad Europea (Valencia). She has worked as a translation project manager and a professional translator. She has also taught in the USA thanks to a Fulbright scholarship. She holds a Master’s Degree in AVT, a Master’s Degree in Translation and New Technologies, and completed the Master’s Degree in Secondary Education and Languages. Her lines of research focus on Descriptive Translation Studies (audiovisual translation, video game localization and recently, machine translation).
• Dr Zeina Eid is a professional freelance translator, conference interpreter and language tutor with over 20 years of experience. She is also an associate lecturer in Translation and Interpretation studies at London Metropolitan University and Roehampton University. Zeina holds a PhD in Linguistics (SOAS), a Master’s degree in Translation and Interpretation studies (USEK, Lebanon) and a Diploma in Public Service Interpreting (DPSI, CIOL).

Who Should Apply

All courses are targeted at native speakers. You must either be a professional translator or have already received some training in translation. Please note that there is no entry test and you’ll be accepted on the merits of your CV.

How to Apply

Please download and complete the application form:  

 (Word doc)

Email your application form, together with your CV to selcs.centras-professional@ucl.ac.uk. Please write ‘AVT Summer School’ in the subject line of your message. 

Course confirmation will be emailed to you subsequently along with payment instructions.

The following information regarding Visas is only relevant when the course takes place on campus and not online.

Important note: Please make sure you allow plenty of time for visa arrangements. Participants who have not made arrangements for their visa by 1 June will not have secured their place in the course and other participants may be accepted instead. Please do not book any flights or accommodation until your place on the course has been confirmed formally.

Please also note that a letter of confirmation for participants’ acceptance to the course will be provided as soon as their application is processed, and this documentation can be used as supporting evidence for issuing visas outside the UK. If you require additional support and advice for visas, please see International Student Support or contact a representative via MyServices. 

Course fees and payment

Course fees

Contact  for information about the course fees (full course or one module).selcs.centras-professional@ucl.ac.uk

CenTraS professional courses affiliates include:

• Institute of Translators and Interpreters (ITI)
• Chartered Institute of Linguists (CIoL)
• The Subtitlers’ Association (SUBTLE)
• local organisations including ATAV, ATA, APTRAD, PEM and Translators and Interpreters Australia

To add your organisation to the list of affiliates or fo more information, contact the Professional Course Co-ordinator.

Payment and cancellations

Once you have been offered a place on the course, you will be sent details of how to pay via the University Online Store:

• University Online Store
• Terms & Conditions

Please note:

• All payments must be made in full, in Pounds Sterling by debit or credit card.
• Places are not confirmed until payment is received, which must be at least one week before the course start date.

Accommodation

The following information regarding accommodation is only relevant when the course takes place on campus and not online. If you are interested in booking accommodation in the University’s Halls of Residence for the course, email residences@ucl.ac.uk or visit the accommodation website. 

Further Information

If you have any queries about this course, please contact us via e-mail: selcs.centras-professional@ucl.ac.uk