If you are curious about what is involved in subtitle translation, read on to learn more about how beneficial they are, how translating them can help your business, and how to ensure the job is done right.

What are subtitles?

You very likely come across subtitles at some point in your day-to-day life. You may even be among the growing group of people who watch everything with subtitles turned on. Subtitles are the on-screen text that displays the dialogue, voice-over, or audio commentary of a video. This text-based supplement is a cost-effective solution that helps people around the world understand and process on-screen content.

Uses for subtitles

Subtitles aren’t just for foreign language television shows and movies. They can be placed on just about any type of video, including:

• Video ads on social media
• eLearning content
• Organizational training videos
• Instructional and how-to videos
• Music videos

If it’s a moving image with audio, it can likely be enhanced by including subtitles.

Advantages of adding subtitles

Why go through the effort of including subtitles with your video? Let’s explore some of the most important benefits.

Reach More People

According to the World Health Organization, around 466 million people worldwide have disabling hearing loss. Subtitles make your content accessible to those who may not be able to clearly hear the audio.

Subtitles aren’t just about making videos accessible to those with hearing disabilities: they make the medium more accessible to everyone. In fact, a 2019 study by Verizon Media and Publicis Media reported that 80% of people who use captions aren’t deaf or hard of hearing.

That’s because in today’s multitasking and mobile society, not everyone watches videos with the audio turned on. The Verizon Media study showed that 69% of people view videos without sound when in public places, and 25% view video without sound in private. A staggering 80% said that they are more likely to watch an entire video when captions are available.

By subtitling your video, you tap into an entire audience of viewers who prefer watching over listening when online.

Improve retention and engagement

Subtitles are an excellent way to make video content more engaging and informative, especially in the eLearning space. Having another medium to convey the information at hand can lead to higher retention rates over a longer period of time.

The same theory applies to video marketing. In the Verizon Media study, experts found that there was an 8% improvement in ad recall, a 10% increase in ad memory quality, and a 13% boost in brand linkage when captioning was utilized.

SEO: Search Engine Optimization

If you want your website to rank higher on Google’s search engine result pages, subtitling can help you do that too, directly and indirectly. Since Google’s algorithm can’t yet process audio or video, the transcript of subtitles allows search engines to crawl and index your video content. A higher ranking on Google leads to more website traffic, which results in increased conversions and sales.

Google also takes note of how long visitors stay on a webpage, rewarding those who keep the attention of their audience for a longer period of time. Because subtitles can increase the time a person watches a video, it indirectly impacts SEO.

However, adding subtitles isn’t enough to connect with your audiences if they can’t understand the language the subtitles are written in. This is where subtitle translation becomes important.

Subtitle translation

Subtitle translation is the process of translating a video’s audio script to another language. Videos can be subtitled in any language, giving audiences the opportunity to watch and understand, even if the spoken audio is in a different language.

Take all the benefits of source language-to-source language subtitles, and add to that the ability to connect with a multilingual audience. This is how subtitle translation significantly enhances the reach of your video content. Translated subtitles allow your video content to be understood by anyone, regardless of the language spoken in the video.

Voice-over recording is another effective video translation option, but isn’t always feasible. Sometimes, organizations opt not to use voice-over because of the increased costs as compared to subtitles. Other times, it simply doesn’t make sense depending on the type of video, such as music videos. Subtitle translation is the perfect solution in these situations.

How subtitle translation works

Although subtitles are text-based, the process isn’t as simple as replacing existing words with their translation. To get a better understanding of how subtitle translation works, it’s important to know something about subtitle formats.

Subtitle formats

Subtitles can be open or closed captioned. Open captions are integrated within the video itself, and cannot be removed or changed without modifying the source video. These are often called “burned” captions, because it is like they are burned onto the moving image.

Closed captions on the other hand, give the viewer the option to turn them on or off. Closed captions can be created with different file formats, including SRT and WebVTT.

SRT translation

This text file format stands for SubRip Subtitle. SRT is the most common subtitle file format, and consists of four components:

• an order number
• the time that the subtitle appears
• the caption and
• a blank line indicating the end of a subtitle.

Using SRT is advantageous, because it is supported on a wide variety of platforms. However, it lacks control over certain features included with the WebVTT format.

WebVTT translation

VTT or WebVTT stands for Web Video Text Tracks. This format was modeled after – and is similar to – SRT. Although they share many of the same features, WebVTT is a more robust solution, giving developers options when it comes to subtitle placement, font, color, and format. WebVTT also contains metadata that isn’t displayed on-screen, but contains information about authors, dates, instructions, and more.

Subtitle translation process

No matter which type of text file is used, the subtitle translation process can be broken down into seven general steps.

1. Script transcription: If there is no script available, the audio will first need to be transcribed.
2. Subtitling: The transcribed script is time-coded and formatted for VTT or SRT.
3. Translation, editing, and proofreading: Once the transcribed text is available, translation can begin. This process includes the editing, proofreading, and quality assurance of the transcribed content.
4. Translated script approval: Once the translation process is completed, the deliverable is sent to the client for final approval.
5. Sync text with audio: Translated text is synced with the source audio so that dialogue and on-screen visuals are harmonized.
6. Translated video validation: The final product will be reviewed by a native speaker for clarity, accuracy, formatting, and functionality.
7. Deliver target language video: The subtitled video and/or subtitle files are delivered to the client ready for use.

Ensuring High-Quality Translations

If you’re considering adding subtitles to your video, hiring a professional translation company is the best way to ensure a high-quality translated product. Not only do language professionals accurately translate the material, but they also take special care to localize the content. This means that all text will be culturally appropriate and formatted correctly, making it easily read and understood at a normal speed without detracting from the visuals on the screen.

Professional translation services go through a multi-step process that includes quality control checks by native speakers throughout the workflow. They are aware of the challenges and obstacles commonly encountered with subtitle translations, such as text display issues, and know-how to resolve them.

Conclusion

Subtitles are a helpful tool that allows your videos to effectively reach a larger audience. Subtitle translation takes that a step further, expanding your reach to those who speak other languages. When done by a professional translation company, high-quality subtitle translations can help make your video content accessible to all.

The post Subtitle Translation: How to Boost Video Content Reach and Engagement appeared first on Interpro Translation Solutions.

Rise does, nevertheless, support eLearning translation. You can export all the written content of your course into an XLIFF file, translate it, and import it back into the course with all formatting intact.

How you translate your Rise 360 course is an important consideration. While automated translation tools have come a long way, the nuances of language make using them for something as complex as an online course a roll of the dice. Idioms like “take a rain check” or “leave on a cliffhanger” confound them, and a phrase that makes perfect sense in one part of the world can be downright offensive in another.

Why is Rise translation so important?

One of the biggest benefits of eLearning is how easy lessons are to remember. But that diminishes when online learners are presented with material in a foreign language. Having to mentally translate the information as it’s presented reduces their ability to absorb and fully comprehend it.

Providing eLearning courses in multiple languages also allows you to reach more people. If you distribute online courses to a diverse group of learners with varying native languages, take a look at your LMS (Learning Management System) analytics. It should come as no surprise to see greater engagement among learners whose primary language matches the language of the eLearning course.

Ninety percent of people prefer learning in their native language. Think of the millions of opportunities you could be missing by not offering courses in the languages learners want.

What does the Rise translation workflow look like?

Many course developers choose Rise because it is easy to use. Fortunately, Rise translation is also a pretty straightforward process.

1. It all starts with your course. Create your complete course, including visuals and multimedia elements, in your primary language.
2. Next, duplicate your course and export the duplicate’s content to an XLIFF file. XLIFF is an XML-based file format that standardizes the exchange of information between tools.
3. A professional translator will translate the content of the XLIFF, save it in the same format, and send it back to you. You import the translated XLIFF into your duplicate course, and Rise does the rest.
4. To protect the quality of your eLearning course, it’s important to use a Rise translation partner that specializes in localization and to provide your translator with the original course as well as the XLIFF file.

A partner who specializes in localization will know when a phrase should be adjusted into a regional dialect to make it understandable to the intended audience. A good translation provider will also review the visuals in your course to make sure they are culturally appropriate.

How do you engage learners?

The best eLearning courses keep learners engaged with interactive elements. These complex, layered elements are far easier to translate if the translator is able to see them in action. That provides context for each layer and how they fit together to move the course along.

After translation comes validation – making sure the translation is accurate once the course is published. Again, this goes beyond just the words. You’ll want to choose a translation partner experienced in working with Rise to make sure the details you carefully planned in English still work. Publishing settings will match the English (i.e., SCORM).

For example, many languages cause translations to expand or contract. Let’s say a text box on one slide of your course is sized just right to house the word “science.” But in German, “science” is “Naturwissenschaft” – more than twice as many letters need to fit into the same text box.

Designers involved in your Rise translation project will be able to catch such issues and address them, so your course is accurate no matter the language.

Localized text changes impact timing. Slides with more text need more reading time, videos might require subtitles, and audio needs re-recording. All visuals must be timed accordingly.

A Rise translation partner who offers voiceover services will ensure spoken material, even if it uses technical language, is clear and unambiguous. Voiceovers are best recorded in a studio environment by native speakers who understand how tone, pace, and inflection can affect the meaning of content. An engineer will then adjust the timings in the course to ensure the audio and visuals are in sync.

Quality courses aren’t just about the content. The details of how the content is presented make a tremendous impact on the user’s experience and what that experience leads them to think about your company.

The future of learning is now

In 2019, Research and Markets predicted the eLearning industry would be worth about $325 billion by 2025 – almost three times what it was worth in 2015. And that was before COVID-19 sent our lives online. The pandemic condensed a decade of digital transformation into a matter of two years.

Online learning is no longer the future of training and education, it is the present. Savvy businesses are making the most of it by creating digital courses to train their workforce and educate their clients.

Rise 360 is a great tool for creating these courses. It’s easy to use, even for people with little to no course-building experience. The ready-made templates pull courses together fast, and its media optimization and fully responsive design keep your assets functional and high quality.

To fully maximize your investment in eLearning, don’t limit your Rise course to a single language. As of January 2020, only about a quarter of online content was in English. There are 854 million Internet users in China, 149 million users in Brazil, and 118 million users in Japan. Rise translation unlocks millions of opportunities for your course to reach people in the language they know – and learn in – best.

The post Rise Translation: Easier and More Important Than You Think appeared first on Interpro Translation Solutions.

You may have contracted for event interpretation services in the past, or perhaps this is something new that your organization is going to need. Either way, it’s critical for you to understand the basics of event interpretation. This blog shares:

• What event interpretation is
• What the benefits of working with a company that offers a turnkey interpretation solution are
• What are the latest event interpretation trends

Let’s get started!

What is the Difference Between On-Site and Remote Interpretation?

There are two types of interpretation: on-site interpretation, and remote interpretation. Understanding the key similarities and differences between these can help you determine which interpretation option best meets your needs.

On-site interpretation takes place at the physical location of an event. Interpreters are present to communicate the presenter’s spoken information from one language into another, and vice-versa. This requires the use of a soundproof booth, allowing interpreters not only to hear what needs to be interpreted, but also to witness the speaker’s delivery.

Conversely, remote simultaneous interpretation (RSI) does not require an interpreter to be in the same room as the speaker and audience. Instead, audience members use headphones to listen to the speaker and hear the information in their own language, in real time.

One of the biggest advantages of RSI is that it eliminates the need for interpreter travel expenses and the use of special equipment. It is also a tech-savvy and innovative solution for organizations that are interested in being at the forefront of the latest technology.

Both interpretation styles are effective at ensuring that the linguistic needs of a multilingual audience are met. Engaging the services of a professional interpretation service provider can assist you in making the best decisions when planning your event.

Event Interpretation: Interpro’s Value-Add

Interpro offers a turnkey solution that organizes your workflow from start to finish. Working with a professional service provider eliminates guesswork and closes gaps. Our team understands each step of the interpretation process. From event logistics and technology needs, to language translation and special day-of considerations, our experienced team will help you plan, troubleshoot and succeed.

These benefits are obvious, but there is always room for improvement. Following these guidelines will help make the entire process as smooth as possible for your organization.

1. A Project Manager is key to a successful event.

One of the major benefits of working with a professional interpretation company such as Interpro is having an experienced Project Manager running the show. Your Project Manager understands the scope of work from one milestone to the next, and sees to every detail in order to ensure that the entire event runs according to plan. Additionally, your PM serves as the main point of contact between the interpretation team and your organization as event preparations unfold.

An on-site PM interacts directly with event participants, and helps facilitates support and other communications throughout the course of your event. Having on-site project management and technical support is crucial, whether interpretation is delivered on-site or through RSI. Attendees’ needs are met personally and promptly – delivering impeccable customer service – and the interpreters are allowed to focus on the task at hand, all a testament to your organization’s level of professional service and client service.

2. Don’t forget support materials.

As you plan your event, it is only natural that the focus be primarily on the content each speaker will deliver. However, it is also important to consider support materials as early on as possible. That means determining the type of ancillary visuals and other reference materials that each speaker will use, such as workbooks, pamphlets, brochures, or handouts.

Providing these reference materials to the interpreters as far in advance as possible allows for effective preparation, and ultimately higher quality interpretation. This is yet another way to guarantee an optimal event experience for your audience.

3. Get the layout in advance.

Content is the heart of your event. What is shared may very well make a lasting impact on your audience. In addition to focusing on the “what” side of preparations, you need to consider the “where” for event interpretation engagements.

In fact, doing an advance site visit of the venue to see the rooms and spaces that will be used is extremely beneficial as the number of rooms and attendees can have a direct impact on the scope of your interpretation project. Communicating the details concerning your venue from the onset is crucial.

It is also worth noting that having the interpretation in one room is usually ideal. If multiple sessions requiring interpretation run concurrently, the number of interpreters and on-site representatives needed will increase. A concurrent schedule will also require involve additional technology considerations, as well as more space.

4. Not all booths are created equal.

For on-site event interpretation engagements, two basic types of booth options are typically available:

• Soundproof booths
• Tabletop booths

Soundproof booths are full-size, fully enclosed booths used to provide complete sound insulation. These booths enable interpreters to efficiently perform their job without interfering noises from external sources. Tabletop booths feature an open back that provides partial sound isolation coverage. More portable than soundproof booths, tabletop booths accommodate two interpreters, but do not provide the same level as soundproofing as do soundproof booths. Both, however, are suitable for a wide variety of event settings.

5. Two heads are better than one!

This old adage certainly applies to interpretation. As interpreters are paired by subject matter expertise and experience, working as a pair, they are able to seamlessly take turns interpreting what the speakers are saying.

More importantly, since simultaneous interpreting demands so much concentration and effort, most professional interpreters can only work effectively for periods of 20 minutes or so. After that, they need to hand off to a second interpreter and rest before they can start again.

6. Logistics are important.

The method of interpretation is going to influence your event’s logistics. For example, for on-site interpretation, space needs to be configured to accommodate interpretation booths. For RSI, high-speed internet connection speeds and reliability are absolutely essential for handling increased traffic, and pre-show testing is highly advisable. Working with experienced professionals will help you to understand the logistical requirements necessary to ensure a successful outcome.

Final Thoughts

Event interpretation can contribute to your event’s overall success, delivering your content to multilingual audiences in the language they best understand. With so many critical details and moving parts to be on top of, choosing a turnkey solution with a professional interpretation service provider such as Interpro is a logical choice. You focus on planning your event, and let Interpro focus on helping you make the desired impact on your event’s attendees.

The post Event Interpretation: 6 Key Tips for Success appeared first on Interpro Translation Solutions.

Multilingual Website for a Global Audience

Any single language can address no more than 30 percent of the global population. For example, English is commonly regarded as one of the world’s most used languages. However, 70 percent of web surfers don’t speak English as their first language. In recent years it has been researched that only 21 percent of the traffic from the world’s top ten international websites originated in the United States. Large markets exist beyond the English-speaking world and savvy companies are trying to include these markets in their daily commerce. In order to expand their audience base, enterprises are investing in the localization and translation of their websites. A multilingual website, when done professionally, can only help your organization achieve this goal.

Localized Campaigns Outperform English Only, Counterparts

Localization is the process of catering to a specific region. It doesn’t stop at the language translation itself, colors and numbers can also have an impact. For instance, white in one country may indicate weddings and celebrations, while it signifies death in another. As a result, a company might have different color themes for its ad campaigns depending on the region. A multilingual website must also be adapted and localized in terms of layout, color and culture. In mobile advertising, 86 percent of region-specific campaigns outperformed their English only, single market counter parts in terms of conversions and click-throughs. Localized sites and campaigns often utilize professional website translation services to target specific geographic regions, because geo-targeted posts have been found to be six times more successful than broad international posts.

Multilingual Websites and Multilingual Apps

Before you make a plan to localize your website, you should do your research in the prospective regions you are targeting. For example, 92 percent of China’s 25 best-selling iPhone applications use Chinese names over English names and 80 percent of Japan’s top 25 Android apps follow the same localized model. In the Google Play store, 4 out of its top 5 grossing countries are non-English speaking, while the iOS App Store has equal parts English and non-English speaking countries in its top ten profit regions. From 2012 to 2013, Asia’s annual app revenue increased by 162 percent. International markets hold plenty of promise for companies that can connect with diverse audiences. A professionally localized website or mobile app can assist you in reaching out to these customers.

People Want to Shop in Their Native Language

How do you connect with consumers? Connecting with consumers means speaking their language. A multilingual website allows you to do that. While people abroad may speak English, it is typically easier to speak and understand information in their mother tongue. In fact, 72.4 percent of international consumers prefer online shopping sites in their native language and 55 percent only do business with sites offered in their native language. Clearly, having access to a site in a consumer’s native language is important. When people shop, they want to feel comfortable and connected with the brands they do business with. Translating your website will make your web presence more welcoming to the target region.

The Challenges in Creating a Multilingual Website

Translation involves much more than swapping one word for another. Translators must account for idioms and standards that apply to other cultures. An automated translation service will not do this for you. For a true multilingual website to be effective, it needs to be done correctly by a professional human translation team. If you want to ensure effective implementation of localization practices, utilize professional multilingual website translation services.

The post Why Go Multilingual? The Top Benefits of a Multilingual Website appeared first on Interpro Translation Solutions.