Dubbing is the major mode of audiovisual translation in several countries, including Spain. It consists of the substitution of the original dialogues recorded in the source language with another track containing the same dialogues recorded in the target language. Despite being a well-established and long-standing practice, there are several issues that still need to be addressed. One of them is the absence of existing guidelines or homogeneous conventions across dubbing studios when it comes to the use of symbols, segmentations or format, as well as prosodic delivery. The second problem is related to the quality of the final product, sometimes compromised by the lack of integration within the different stages of the dubbing process. We believe that dubbing can benefit greatly from the model of accessible filmmaking, thus becoming a forethought rather than an afterthought in the process. This will give media-makers the opportunity to gain more control over the final version in another language and to overcome the potential hurdles that can arise at a later stage.
Related articles:
Chaume, F. (2004). Film Studies and Translation Studies: Two Disciplines at Stake in Audiovisual Translation. Meta 49(1), 12-24. https://www.erudit.org/fr/revues/meta/2004-v49-n1-meta733/009016ar.pdf
Chaume, F. (2007). Quality standards in dubbing: a proposal. TradTerm 13, 71-89. https://www.revistas.usp.br/tradterm/article/view/47466/51194