The art of subtitling ⏲️ 6 Minute English

Summary

This episode of '6 Minute English' explores the art of subtitling, focusing on the work of Karli Witkowska, a subtitler for the show *Stranger Things*. The discussion covers how subtitlers use adjectives to create emotional impact, tailoring descriptions to the genre of the film or show. It also highlights the evolution of subtitling from an accessibility tool to an artistic craft, with funny anecdotes like a misheard subtitle involving 'Spiderman' and 'Batman'. Along with these insights, listeners learn useful vocabulary such as 'genre', 'jaunty', and 'gobsmacked' to enrich their language skills.

Takeaways

• 😀 Subtitles are essential for deaf and hard-of-hearing audiences to understand what is happening in a TV show or movie.
• 😀 Subtitles describe not only dialogue but also non-verbal sounds like screams, explosions, and music.
• 😀 Subtitlers choose adjectives that fit the genre of the film, such as 'jaunty' for upbeat music or 'gobsmacked' for a shocked silence.
• 😀 Subtitling is not just about transcribing dialogue; it's about capturing the mood and atmosphere through descriptive words.
• 😀 Karli Witkowska, a subtitler for *Stranger Things*, emphasizes the importance of genre when selecting words for subtitles.
• 😀 The challenge of subtitling live TV includes real-time errors, like a funny mistake during a BBC news broadcast in 2019.
• 😀 The phrase 'gobsmacked silence' became viral after a subtitler used it to describe a moment of shock with no sound in a scene.
• 😀 Subtitles also help language learners by providing a written version of the spoken words, aiding both listening and reading skills.
• 😀 Adjectives like 'jaunty' and 'gobsmacked' can significantly influence the emotional tone and viewer’s experience of a scene.
• 😀 Subtitles have evolved into an art form, especially with the rise of streaming platforms, offering more creative and descriptive captions.

Q & A

What is the primary purpose of subtitles in movies and TV shows?

The primary purpose of subtitles is to make dialogue accessible to deaf or hard-of-hearing audiences, as well as to provide translations for foreign-language films. They also describe non-verbal sounds in a scene, such as background noises or sound effects.

How do subtitles help viewers learn a new language?

Subtitles help language learners by allowing them to read the translation of words while hearing how they're pronounced in the target language. This simultaneous exposure to both the written and spoken word aids comprehension and retention.

What role does the genre of a film play in the subtitling process?

The genre of a film influences the choice of adjectives used in subtitles. For example, a thriller might use words like 'creaking' or 'screeching' to describe sounds, while a period drama might use 'jaunty' or 'upbeat' to reflect a more cheerful atmosphere.

What is the significance of the term 'gobsmacked silence' in subtitling?

'Gobsmacked silence' refers to a scene where characters are so shocked or surprised that they are speechless. The phrase was chosen by Karli Witkowska's team because it vividly captures the emotional intensity of the moment without any actual sound.

What mistake occurred in the 2019 BBC Six O'clock News subtitle?

The subtitle mistakenly read 'We can't allow Batman to become Prime Minister,' while the interviewee actually said, 'We can't allow that man to become Prime Minister,' referring to Boris Johnson.

What is the difference between subtitling for a live TV show and a pre-recorded movie?

For live TV, subtitling must be done in real-time as the person is speaking, which can lead to mistakes or humorous misinterpretations. In contrast, movie subtitles are written ahead of time and can be carefully edited for accuracy.

What does the adjective 'jaunty' describe in a film or TV show?

'Jaunty' is used to describe music or scenes that are upbeat, energetic, and full of confidence. It creates an impression of lightheartedness and positivity.

How has the rise of online streaming services like Netflix changed the subtitling industry?

The growth of streaming services has turned subtitling into more of an art form. Subtitlers now aim to make their descriptions as vivid and accurate as possible, often incorporating creativity and precise word choices to enhance the viewer's experience.

What are some examples of sounds that might be described in subtitles for a thriller?

In a thriller, sound effects such as 'creaking stairs,' 'screams,' or 'sudden bangs' might be described in subtitles to convey the tension and suspense of the scene.

What does it mean to give someone a 'high five'?

A 'high five' is a gesture of celebration or greeting in which two people slap their open palms together. It is often used to congratulate someone or to express excitement or approval.