Chapter 14 | Psycholinguistics and Perception in Audiovisual Translation

 

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Publication date: 13 September 2018
Copyright date 2019
Hardback ISBN: 9781138859524
E-book ISBN 9781315717166
You can order this volume on the Routledge website

 

 

 

 

 

This Chapter discusses AVT in relation to models of cognitive perception and psycholinguistics. It introduces the concept of media accessibility as embracing types of translation (namely sign-language interpreting and subtitling for the D/deaf, and hard of hearing (SDH) and audio description (AD) for people who are blind or partially sighted), that enable users with a sensory disability to access AV media. It focuses on the subjective nature of perception, and addresses Gambier’s (2009) concerns about loss in AVT, demonstrating how language and other forms of knowledge can compensate for the loss of information in sensory modes that cannot be perceived directly by the user. It argues that access modes of AVT are no less prone to loss or subjectivity than lexical modes of translation. It also discusses how the concept of immersion or presence can be of use in measuring the efficacy of AD and SDH and how Gibson’s (1979) concept of affordances and an understanding of visual perception can help describers make choices in content selection, thus addressing Vermeer’s (1989) concern as to how translators choose between different translation options which may appear to be equally possible and appropriate.

 

 

Louise Fryer is one of the UK’s most experienced describers. As well as describing for the UK’s National Theatre and for the audio description charity VocalEyes, she is a teaching fellow at University College London (UCL) and a partner in the research project ADLAB PRO.

 

 

The Routledge Handbook of Audiovisual Translation Studies provides an authoritative and straightforward overview of the field through thirty-two specially commissioned chapters written by leading scholars in the field.

This state-of-the-art reference work is divided in four sections. The first part focuses on established and emerging audiovisual translation modalities, explores the changing contexts in which they have been and continue to be used, and examine how cultural and technological changes are directing their future trajectories. The second part explores the interface between audiovisual translation and a range of theoretical models that have proved particularly productive in steering research in audiovisual translation studies. Some of these models are associated with disciplines that have long intersected with audiovisual translation, while others are drawn from areas of knowledge that are only now beginning to make their presence felt in the audiovisual translation literature. The third part surveys a range of methodological approaches supporting traditional and innovative ways of interrogating audiovisual translation data. The final part addresses a range of themes pertaining to the place of audiovisual translation in society: these include the institutionalization, academization and technologization of audiovisual translation, as well as its role as a force for social change, both within and outside the industry. This Handbook gives audiovisual translation studies the voice it needs to make its presence felt within the Humanities research landscape.

 

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