Author’s name:
Anna S. Demidova – Linguistics University of Nizhny Novgorod, Nizhny Novgorod, Russia
Abstract:
This paper summarizes the evolution of quality criteria in audiovisual translation from the 1960s to the present day. Evaluating translation quality is a complex process due to its multifaceted nature, variability, and the influence of subjective factors, necessitating a comprehensive research approach. Evaluation is often subjective, as the same translation can receive widely differing assessments. Currently, research in audiovisual translation quality is intensifying due to several objective factors. A key feature of contemporary studies is their comprehensive approach, which systematically considers all unique aspects of audiovisual translation rather than merely listing relevant criteria. One notable aspect of assessing the quality of audiovisual translation is the differing importance placed on technical requirements and the naturalness of spoken language by professional and non-professional evaluators. At this moment, it is difficult to identify any universal priorities in quality assessment, as the priority criterion is determined by the specific focus of each individual author. In dubbing, priorities have shifted over time among such aspects as isochrony, articulation synchronicity, dialogue naturalness, and adaptation. Recently, there seems to be a renewed emphasis on technical aspects, specifically articulatory synchronicity in dubbing, which has led to the emergence of a phenomenon known as “dubbese.” The author highlights the risks of natural languages being influenced by dubbese. Given the extensive audience reached by audiovisual translations, the quality of this translation significantly impacts the future development and originality of the Russian language, as well as the quality of spoken language among both adults and, especially, children. This situation places a considerable moral responsibility on all participants in the translation services market.
| Section | CURRENT PROBLEMS OF TRANSLATION AND TRANSLATION STUDIES |
| DOI: | 10.47388/2072-3490/lunn2025-70-2-75-90 |
| Downloads | 12 |
| Key words | audiovisual translation; translation quality assessment; dubbing; subtitles; dubbese |