Audiovisual Translation

Theories, Methods and Issues

By Luis Prez-Gonzlez

From the lucrative blockbusters distributed by Hollywood powerful studios to the brief videos assembled and
circulated by ordinary people, contemporary screen culture is populated by a growing variety of audiovisual
texts travelling across different languages and cultures. Audiovisual Translation: Theories, Methods, Issues
provides a unique focus on the translation of these increasingly influential texts, including their producers and
consumers, that now pervade all aspects of our lives. Through a range of examples drawn from different
genres, this book moves beyond the linguistic concerns traditionally privileged within audiovisual translation,
introducing students and researchers to the artistic, economic, social and political dimensions of this activity.
The book first traces the development and evolution of audiovisual translation, exploring how the
homogenizing mediation practices imposed by the industry during the mass media era are being challenged by
interventionist forms of translation in the era of the digital culture.
The evolving conceptual network that underpin this area of study, the key translation models driving the
theorization of this activity and the most productive methodological approaches to the study of audiovisual
translation are then surveyed, critiqued and illustrated in a systematic, easy-to-follow manner. Multimodal
theory and self-mediation studies receive particular attention as the most influential theoretical frameworks
that will drive audiovisual translation research in years to come. Students and early career scholars are
provided with comprehensive guidance to design and undertake audiovisual translation research projects.
Each chapter features chapter summaries, introductory videos, authentic examples, break out boxes, reading
suggestions and followup questions for further study. A companion website provides readers with access to
additional resources on each of the topics covered in this book.
Audiovisual Translation is the definitive guide to the research models and methodological approaches that are
enabling and will continue to drive advances in this fast-developing area of study.

The book can serve as a textbook for use at MA level but also constitutes a first portofcall
reference on aspects of theoretical inquiry.
The book explores new audiovisual translation genres and practices in contemporary networked
societies, covering topics and issues not previously discussed in the audiovisual translation literature.
The book includes a whole chapter offering methodological direction to readers conducting their own
research at MA at doctoral level.
The follow-up questions for discussion in all chapters provide abundant ideas for extended
postgraduate essays, various types of dissertation, and (post)doctoral level research projects.

Contents
List of figures
List of tables
Preface
Acknowledgements
Introduction

1.

Mapping an Evolving Conceptual Network

1.1. The Widening Remit of Audiovisual Translation
1.2
Modalities of Audiovisual Translation
1.2.1. Subtitling
1.2.2. Revoicing
1.2.3. Assistive Forms of Audiovisual Translation
1.3
Audiovisual Translation as an Academic Discipline
Follow-up Questions for Discussion
Core References
Notes

2.

Audiovisual Translation as a Site of Representational Practice

2.1. Representational Practices in Audiovisual Translation: Choices vs.
Conventions
2.2. Silent Films: From Presentationalism to Diegesis
2.3. Talking Films: Representational Implications of Synchronized Sound
2.4. Suturing Translations in the Era of Mass Media
Follow-up Questions for Discussion
Core References
Notes

3.

Audiovisual Translation as a Site of Interventionist Practice

3.1. Audiovisual Intervention
3.2. Key Concepts for the Study of Interventionist Audiovisual Translation
3.2.1. Audiovisual Media Consumers-cum-translators
3.2.2. Audiences and Audienceships
3.2.3. Cultural Logics of the New Audiovisual Marketplace
3.3. Audiovisual Translation Cybercultures
Follow-up Questions for Discussion
Core References
Notes

4.

Audiovisual Translation Models

4.1
From Practice to Theorization
4.2
Autochthonous versus Allochthonous Models of Audiovisual Translation
4.3
Process Models of Translation

4.3.1 Psycholinguistic Models

4.3.2. Cognitive Models
4.3.3 Neurolinguistic and Pragmatics-Based Models
4.4. Comparative Models of Translation
4.4.1. Shift-based Models
4.4.2. Corpus-driven Models
4.5. Causal Models of Translation
4.5.1. Systems and Norm-based Approaches
4.5.2. Discourse and Ideological Models
Follow-up Questions for Discussion
Core References
Notes

5.

Research Methods in Audiovisual Translation

5.1
Researching Audiovisual Texts
5.2
Conceptual Research
5.3
Empirical Research
5.3.1 Eye-tracking Methods
5.3.2 Questionnaires and Interviews
5.3.3 Archival Methods
5.3.4 Corpus-based Methods
5.4
Triangulation
Follow-up Questions for Discussion
Core References
Notes

6.

Multimodality
6.1
Multimodality and Audiovisual Translation
6.2. Multimodal Theory
6.3. Core Modes
6.4. Sub-Modes
6.4.1. Language Sub-modes
6.4.2. Sound Sub-modes
6.4.3. Music Sub-modes
6.4.4. Image Sub-modes
6.5. Mode Integration and Processing
Follow-up Questions for Discussion
Core References
Notes

7.

Self-mediation
7.1. The Demotic Turn in Audiovisual Translation
7.2. Audiovisual Translation as a Form of Self-mediation
7.2.1. Participation
7.2.2. Remediation
7.2.3. Bricolage

7.3.

Transformative Practices: From Referentiality to Affectivity

7.3.1. Mutual Recognition
7.3.2. Performativity, Spectacularization
7.3.3. Materiality, Corporeality
7.4. The Impact of Self-Mediation on Commercial Practices
7.4.1. Towards an Ontology of Deconstruction
7.4.2. Cross-fertilization of Amateur and Professional Practices
Follow-up Questions for Discussion
Core References
Notes

8.

Lead the Way

8.1
Formalizing Reflection, Generating Research
8.2
Orientation for Theory-Driven Projects
8.2.1 The Case Study Method in Audiovisual Translation Research
8.2.2 Research Questions and Hypotheses in Audiovisual Translation
Research
8.2.3 Other AVT-specific Methodological Considerations
8.3
Orientation for Practical Dissertations
Core References
Notes