Читать книгу The Concise Encyclopedia of Applied Linguistics - Carol A. Chapelle - Страница 198

DELIA CHIARO

Audiovisual translation (AVT) is the term used to refer to the transfer from one language to another of the verbal components contained in audiovisual works and products. Feature films, television programs, theatrical plays, musicals, opera, Web pages, and video games are just some examples of the vast array of audiovisual products available and that require translation. As the word suggests, audiovisuals are made to be both heard (audio) and seen (visual) simultaneously but they are primarily meant to be seen. We talk of “watching” a movie, a show, or even an opera; we “see” programs that are “shown” on television. However, while the verbal and visual codes in audiovisuals are linked to such an extent that the words naturally tend to rely heavily on the visuals, the translation of these products operates on a verbal level alone.

Precisely because audiovisual materials are meant to be seen and heard simultaneously, their translation is different from translating print. Written works are primarily meant to be read. Illustrations in books, newspapers, journals, and magazines such as photographs, diagrams, and graphs, are there to accompany and enhance the verbal content. On the other hand, the verbal and visual contents of audiovisual products function inseparably to create a meaningful whole.

Audiovisuals are made up of numerous codes that interact to create a single effect. On one level, audiovisual products contain a series of verbal messages that will be perceived both acoustically and visually. In filmic products, as well as what the actors say, audiences may also hear the lyrics of songs while simultaneously being exposed to a range of written information such as street signs, billboards, letters, notes, and so forth. Also, at the beginning and end of a program, substantial written information about it, such as the names of the director, producers, the cast, and the production team will also be visible. On a different level, but together with such acoustic and visual verbal input, filmic products also contain nonverbal sound effects and background noises, body sounds (breathing, laughter, crying, etc.), and music. At the same time, actors' facial expressions, gestures and movements, costumes, hairstyles, makeup, and so forth convey additional meaning. Furthermore, scenery, colors, special effects, and three‐dimensionality are also part of the filmic whole. AVT needs to take all this diversified verbal and visual information into account, bearing in mind that this inseparable link between verbal and visual codes may often constrain the translation process.