Knowledge base

Entering foreign markets is a huge step forward for your company. However, it usually means dealing with a number of new challenges. Establishing relations with your international partners and having to overcome language barriers during business meetings is one of them – and in such circumstances, understanding each other is crucial.   It may be that some of your employees are not fluent speakers of foreign languages. If business meeting participants speak different languages, communication can turn into a source of misunderstanding and unnecessary stress, and potential errors can generate additional costs in the long run. However, these issues can easily be avoided – by hiring a simultaneous interpreter for your business meeting.   Simultaneous interpretation: what is it? Different types of interpretation can be confusing, but it’s worth to take a look at them to understand their usage. Consecutive interpreter interprets a part of speech after it’s finished. So first, the speaker speaks, and then the interpreter conveys the message, usually with the help of notes prepared during the speech. A simultaneous interpreter transfers the message during the speech, which helps save a lot of time.   Use of simultaneous interpretation During large international meetings and conferences, simultaneous interpreters work in soundproof booths using designated headsets. A good option for small meetings is whispered simultaneous interpreting (chuchotage); the interpreter transfers the message in a low voice to a small number of listeners (usually 1–3 people) nearby. If there are more foreign language speakers at the meeting, you can opt for interpretation using tour guide sets. This technique requires special equipment and hiring at least two interpreters, but it is a good option if the number of foreign language speakers is more or less the same as the number of participants speaking your language.   How to prepare? The interpreter will surely appreciate any information about the company, the scope of its activity and the subject of the meeting you can provide. If the company operates in a sector where…

In the time of globalisation, cultural heritage of most nations is available to recipients in any corner of the world. It also involves audiovisual material, such as movies, TV series, or cartoons. Translation is what makes it possible.   There are significant differences between audiovisual translation and other types of translation. In consequence, an audiovisual translator needs to have different qualifications and competencies, there are differences in the translation process and in the final product.   Audiovisual translation – what exactly does it mean? Audiovisual translation applies to any material composed of image and sound, be it a movie, TV serie, cartoon, game, commercial or educational material. We can distinguish between three main types of audiovisual translation: dubbing, subtitles, and voice-over, although there are other popular techniques, such as simultaneous interpreting of live events.   Dubbing consists of replacing the original soundtrack with another one, recorded in a different language. The most important task in this technique is to adjust the translation of character’s lines to their behaviour and the time of speaking, and even to their facial expression and the movement of their lips. Good dubbing leads to comprehensible material, so this technique is usually applied in children’ movies. An interesting type within this technique is intralingual dubbing, which covers dialects and local versions of a language (Spanish can serve as an example).   Another technique of audiovisual translation is the use of subtitles displayed at the bottom of the screen. It is assumed that a subtitle can have a maximum of two lines of 35–37 characters with spaces each. The translator’s task is to properly shorten the lines and adjust them to the scene, taking into consideration the time audience takes to read and understand the subtitle. The main advantage of this technique is that the original soundtrack is untouched.   The last technique of audiovisual translation, widely applied in Poland, are voice-over recordings: the lines recorded by one voice actor in target language substitute the original soundtrack.…