Adaptation in audiovisual translation (AVT) is essentially a transformation of what is seen and heard in an audiovisual project into the target language. This process involves a crucial interaction carried out by the interpreter between linguistic and non-linguistic signs.
Understanding the Core Concept
At its heart, adaptation in AVT goes beyond simple word-for-word translation. It is a dynamic process that requires a deep understanding of both the source material and the target audience's cultural and linguistic context. The reference highlights that this is a "transformation of what is seen and heard... into the target language." This means the process must consider not just the dialogue and narration but also the visual cues, sound effects, music, and overall pacing of the original content.
The Interaction of Signs
The definition emphasizes the "interaction that the interpreter must carry out between linguistic and non-linguistic signs." This is a key aspect of AVT adaptation:
- Linguistic Signs: These include the spoken dialogue, on-screen text (like signs, letters, or captions), and any narration. The interpreter translates these elements while considering the target language's grammar, syntax, and idiomatic expressions.
- Non-Linguistic Signs: These are all the visual and auditory elements that convey meaning but aren't spoken language. Examples include:
- Character expressions and body language.
- Background sounds and music.
- On-screen actions and scenery.
- Timing and pacing of dialogue relative to visuals.
The interpreter must ensure that the translated linguistic signs align effectively with the non-linguistic signs so that the audience receives a coherent and meaningful experience in the target language.
Why is Adaptation Necessary?
Audiovisual translation methods like subtitling, dubbing, and voice-over often require adaptation due to various constraints and considerations:
- Technical Constraints:
- Subtitling: Limitations on characters per line, reading speed, and synchronization with speech.
- Dubbing/Voice-over: Matching lip movements (dubbing), fitting dialogue within the original timing, and ensuring the new speech sounds natural.
- Cultural Differences: Jokes, references, social norms, or visual gags that are specific to the source culture may not be understood or appreciated in the target culture. Adaptation might involve replacing or explaining these elements.
- Visual Synchronization: The translated audio or text must often sync with actions or visual information on screen. For example, if a character points to an object while naming it, the translation must occur simultaneously.
- Audience Reception: The goal is to make the content accessible and engaging for the target audience, ensuring the intended emotional impact and narrative flow are maintained.
Examples of Adaptation in Practice
Adaptation manifests differently depending on the specific AVT mode:
- Subtitling: Condensing dialogue to fit line limits while retaining core meaning; translating on-screen text or incorporating its meaning into the subtitles.
- Dubbing: Rephrasing dialogue to match lip flaps; adjusting sentence structure to fit the original speaker's timing and intonation patterns.
- Audio Description: Adapting descriptions of visual elements to fit within pauses in dialogue or music, ensuring clarity and conciseness for visually impaired audiences.
In all these cases, adaptation is the process of transforming the source material, considering both what is said (linguistic) and what is seen and heard beyond speech (non-linguistic), to create a meaningful and functional equivalent in the target language.
