At Capital Captions, not only do we write closed captions for the deaf and hard of hearing, but we also work with video translations in over 30 languages. When it comes to closed caption translation services, viewers often first think of video accessibility for source language speakers. Oftentimes, video translation can wind up being confined to translating subtitles with little or no closed captioning elements. Whilst the purpose of subtitle translation and closed captioning may not seem to match, there are many crossovers between the two disciplines and countless benefits in working with both. 

Subtitle or Closed Caption Translation

In terms of a viewer’s experience, the fundamental differences between subtitles and closed captions can be seen to be as follows… Subtitles typically include only spoken word. They are mainly used in either videos online or across social media or for translation purposes. Closed captions contain a lot more data and are usually implemented for broadcast or VoD content. They should include sound effect descriptions, identifying speakers where necessary and working with placements. Closed captions can also be toggled on and off.

Besides formatting and textual differences, the costs involved in adding elements for the deaf and hard of hearing aren’t usually substantial. When it comes to translating videos to appeal to foreign audiences, the major costs are in the translation aspects, not in the transcription and adding of SDH elements. Ensuring that your videos appeal not only to foreign speakers, but are also fully accessible to them should be a no-brainer.

The vast majority of translated subtitles do not seem to include closed captioning elements. The reason for that is likely in the demographics. Subtitle translation services can be seen to be expensive, but the cost benefits in appealing to international audiences in most cases, justifies the cost. However, when you take that audience, which is likely already smaller than the source country’s target audience. When considering foreign deaf and hard of hearing viewers, for many companies, the demand for improving accessibility just isn’t there. The results of the decision not to translate closed captions is unfortunate for deaf and hard of hearing viewers abroad. However, there is one fundamental reason that in today’s world, this is changing… 

Social Media and Online Video Captioning!

With the boom of smartphones, tablets and other remote devices, video audiences aren’t what they used to be. Gone are the days where families will schedule time and purposefully sit together, huddled around the TV in the living room. More and more, videos are watched on-the-go, remotely, and more importantly, with the sound off. In recent years, it’s become run-of-the-mill procedure to subtitle Facebook videos, YouTube videos and the like because video makers know that most videos are watched without sound. Whilst in the past, subtitles were considered for deaf and hard of hearing viewers, nowadays it has become not only surprising, but also frustrating when we find content online that doesn’t have subtitles.

Whilst it’s great that many videos are now subtitled and translated online, and that benefits all viewers, there is one fundamental element that is often missed out in video… Closed caption elements. Now that hearing viewers are watching content with the sound turned off, they really should have access to the full range of closed caption elements, but invariably it seems, they don’t. Much of the online content that is subtitled and translated is added on as burned subtitles which display as default, to allow viewers instant access to what’s going on. What they often don’t include is any description of sound effects, speaker identification or in some cases, any understanding of formatting fundamentals for readability. These can include consideration of reading speeds, line splits and simultaneous speaker conventions. Unfortunately, even in the cases where there is a second option for SDH (subtitles for deaf and hard of hearing), this is rarely ever taken into account for translated content, and hence, foreign audiences are all too often left only with standard subtitles. 

Fully Accessible Subtitle Translation

At Capital Captions, we love video content and absolutely believe in video accessibility and this should include source and target language speakers. Our video translation services include reasonably priced, fast turnaround translation of closed captioning content to ensure equality across the board. We work with over 30 languages within our caption and subtitle translation. These include French, German, Spanish, Portuguese, Italian, Greek, Dutch, Norwegian, Russian, Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Arabic and many more languages on request. 

If you’re looking to translate your closed captions into different languages, take a look at our foreign and subtitle translation services page to get more of an understanding of how the process works, how closed caption translation services integrate with subtitles and how it can benefit your videos going forward. If you need more information you could also take a look at our services page which outlines the main services that we offer including transcription, subtitling and voiceover services. Alternatively if you are ready to get in touch with us for a quick quote for your work contact us via e-mail or hit the quote button below.