Subtitles and Back Translation

What is Back translation?

Subtitle translation is the process of translating subtitles from a source language, (let’s say English), into a target language, (let’s say French). Back translation is the process of translating the already translated French subtitles back into English.

Why does back translation occur in subtitling?

There are two scenarios where back translation may occur and be used within subtitling. The first reason for using back translation is in order to ensure the quality of translations into foreign languages. Translating subtitles back into their source language is a great way to evaluate the accuracy of the original translation and make any amendments as required.

The second reason that back translation may occur in subtitling may be due to the age of a video. Older films made before or during the 1970s, were typically only subtitled for translation purposes and descriptions for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing were therefore non-existent. The BBC only started using closed captioning for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing in 1979.

Where subtitle files weren’t required monolingually in the video source language, only translated subtitles are then available. Through translation, these translated subtitles are often then translated back into the source language. This means that the subtitles on older video content often seems far less accurate as compared to today’s standards. The discrepancy in quality can be due to the fact that character and reading speed limits were stricter in the CEA608 formats and therefore simplified the text, but more times than not, the reason for the discrepancy is due to the use of back translation.

What’s the problem with back translation in subtitles?

Subtitles that are back translated will usually reflect accurately the meaning of what is said, but not in the exact words. When the language of the subtitles matches the language of the video, this discrepancy can become both irritating and distracting for audiences that rely on, or prefer to use closed captions.

Where back translation has occurred,, where the audio files states, ‘Hi there, how have you been?’ the caption’s back translation may read, ‘Hello. How are you?’

How can subtitles with back translation be rectified?

There is no shortcut to rectifying subtitles that have been back translated. There are two options. The subtitles can be entirely transcribed and created from scratch, adding in closed captioning elements for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing…. Or, the back translated subtitles can be QC’d, with changes made as required, along with additions.

Capital Captions’ Subtitling QC and Proofreading for Back Translation

At Capital Captions, we don’t only work with translating and captioning brand new content. In terms of broadcast, different countries have different requirements for closed captioning and subtitling. Captions often need to be reworked in terms of changing character limits, reading speeds and styling. In addition, as more and more regulations come in around ensuring videos are accessible to all audiences, quality expectations also change. Increasingly, very old films and TV programmes need re-subtitling in order to be fit-for-purpose for streaming services.

Capital Captions provide services working with all elements of transcribing, translating and formatting closed captions and subtitles. Our top services this regard include:

• Video Transcription
• Closed Captioning
• Subtitling
• Subtitle Translation
• Subtitle and Translation Quality Control
• Proofreading
• Caption Formatting and Troubleshooting

Whether you own a production company or have a feature film you would like translated or QC’d, why not take a look at some of our services below or if you know what you are looking for why not contact us to today for your free quote.