Module Content and Indicative Topics 

This module will introduce you to Audiovisual Translation (AVT) practices in general and offers an in-depth knowledge of the field of subtitling. Topics to be covered during the general lectures and seminars include the history and present situation of subtitling, pros and cons of subtitling versus other AVT modes, semiotics of subtitling, conventions used on screen, and economic and professional aspects. In the language specific seminars, you will develop subtitling skills in your own language combination, in a variety of registers and styles, by translating texts and programmes of an audiovisual nature drawn from various sources (films, corporate videos, documentaries) and covering a broad range of specialised genres and media issues. You will produce your own subtitles with OOONA Tools, a professional cloud-based subtitling platform. 

This is a compulsory module for the MSc Specialised Translation and Technology (Audiovisual). 
By the end of the module, you should be able to: 


	Understand the linguistic and cultural issues involved in subtitling. 
	

	Identify and exploit the semiotic relationships established between original soundtrack, image and written text when subtitling. 
	

	Produce a professional subtitled version of an audiovisual programme, both linguistically and technically, having made informed translation choices based on genre, purpose and intended audience. 
	

	Have the linguistic and technical skills required for producing a subtitled version of an audiovisual programme.
	
	
	Be able to make informed translation choices based on genre, purpose, and intended audience. 
	
	
	Know how to adhere to professional conventions of good subtitling practice. 
	
	
	Develop specific subtitling skills in areas such as spotting and timing. 
	
	
	Be familiar with the professional practice and with the resources and links for audiovisual translators available on Internet and elsewhere. 
	
Recommended Reading 

In preparation for the module, we advise reading the following core text. This can be found in the UCL Library: 

Díaz Cintas, Jorge and Aline Remael. 2021. Subtitling: Concepts and Practices. Abingdon: Routledge. 

Students eligible for this module must select preferences for their preferred language combination prior to enrolment and normally before the 31st of July. SELCS/CMII will send preference selection instructions to eligible offer holders. We cannot guarantee that any given language combination will run unless this deadline is strictly adhered to. Students must have excellent competence in one of the language pairs listed below. Students are expected to translate into their native language. 

From English into Arabic, Chinese, French, German, Greek, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Norwegian, Polish, Portuguese, Romanian, Russian, Spanish and Swedish. 

From French, German or Spanish into English. 

 

 