Voice over translation: overview

Voice over translation is the process of replacing the original source language audio file with a target language version. The target language audio is synced to the visuals, giving the audience a seamless viewing experience, despite the fact that the video was originally produced in another language.

Where voice over translation is used

Voice over translation can be used to enhance the effectiveness of a wide variety of video platforms, including:

• eLearning: eLearning course translation is one of the most popular applications for voice over translation. Video materials almost always include some form of spoken narration, which should be translated into the language of the audience to give everyone the same learning experience.
• Marketing content and commercials: Are you trying to sell your product or service to a global audience? Your customers need to be able to understand your marketing material. 75% of consumers are more likely to purchase from a brand if the product information is available in their native language.
• Entertainment videos: Content creators looking to expand their influence can take advantage of voice over translation to connect with people around the world.

Voice over recording types

Voice recording isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach. There are several different methods, to which each are suitable for different scenarios.

Voice replacement

This is what you likely associate voice over with. With voice replacement, the original audio is muted, leaving space for audio in the target language. Most often, the new audio must be recorded in such a way that it matches visual cue points. This syncing process can be tricky and is best handled by experienced professionals.

Off-screen voice over

If narration is heard off-screen, as is often the case with eLearning, off-screen voice over is used. The audience can follow along with the presentation’s visuals while listening to the content in their native language.

Lip-synching/dubbing

This is the most complex type of voice over translation, and one that is most commonly associated with foreign films. Your video will appear as if it were originally filmed in the target language, as the voice talent will match the translation to the lip movement of the actor on-screen. The result is a near seamless viewing experience.

UN-style voice over

With this type of voice over, the original audio can still be heard. Its volume is lowered and plays in the background, letting the audience know that the translated voice over serves as an interpretation of what is being said.

Not sure which voice over method is right for your project? A professional translation agency will have the experience and knowledge to help you select the best voice over type to match your particular situation.

Why videos and eLearning courses need voice over translation

Voice over translation is typically more expensive than alternatives, such as subtitles. It is generally agreed, however, that the additional cost is well worth it. Voice over translation gives audiences a clearer understanding of the content, and allows them to be engaged in ways that other methods simply fail to do.

Boosts understanding of material and retention

On-screen text distracts viewers from what is actually happening in the video. If you only subtitle your video, your audience may miss critical on-screen visuals while they are in the process of reading. Similarly, if more than one person is speaking, subtitles can cause confusion. With voice over translation, the audience can clearly differentiate who is saying what throughout the video.

It is estimated that 30% of people are auditory learners, meaning that nearly one in three of your audience members learns best through hearing. Auditory learners will remember up to 75% of information if it is presented through narration or dialogue. This makes voice over translation especially important in the eLearning sphere, where retention, comprehension, and successful outcomes are essential.

Connects with the audience

Deploying voice over translation demonstrates that you’ve made a serious commitment to making your content accessible for all. This goes a long way in fostering a welcoming and inclusive culture and building confidence for your employees, customers, or organization members who might otherwise struggle to fully comprehend the contents of the video.

How voice over translation works

Regardless of the type of voice over translation, the process has three main components:

• translation
• voice over recording
• post-production

Accurate translation

A really good voice over translation starts with the words on the page. If the script to be translated doesn’t exist, the first step is to transcribe the narrative components of the video. From there, the translator will work to provide an accurate translation of the content. Before actual recording takes place, the translated script will be reviewed for quality assurance purposes. Thoroughly QA’ing the script prevents time-consuming and costly re-recording sessions.

Voice over recording

Voice over is more than just the translation itself. Its effectiveness also depends on the voice talent as well as the recording conditions. Keep in mind that the voice talent’s role is to perform the voice over recording (VOR); they don’t play a role in the actual translation process.

Your video content may call for a specific voice – male or female, young or mature, formal or casual, for example. Voice talent will be matched to the video content so that the audio fits the situation. Regardless of the talent’s vocal qualities, he or she will ideally be a native speaker of the target language. This will ensure natural flow, an appropriate tone, and correct enunciation and interpretation of the material.

It is also important that the translation be recorded in a professional studio setting. With state-of-the-art equipment and an environment optimized for recording, a studio provides clean, top quality audio. DIY attempts at voice over recordings often result in less than optimal audio with distracting background noises.

Localized translation

Another key aspect of effective voice over translation concerns localization. Localization takes translation a step further by accounting for regional differences and cultural nuances. For example, the Spanish spoken in Latin America varies in many ways from the Spanish spoken in Spain. Localized voice over ensures that everything from accents to inflections and tones are appropriate for the target-language geography.

Post-production

Voice over recording can be done in one of two ways: as timed recording or as untimed recording. Untimed recording isn’t in-time with the original source material. This is most common with eLearning courses or presentations, where editors can lengthen visuals to match a professional voice over.

When it comes to video, voice over translation is done as a timed recording. The target language content will match the timing of the original English-language content. It can also be synchronized; meaning cue points in the audio will match visual cue points. In some cases, the process may also involve embedding music and sound effects.

The post-production process is extremely important for both types of recording. Whether you are syncing audio with the source video, or extending visuals to match an untimed recording, work needs to be done after the voice talent leaves the recording booth. For the highest quality product, audio engineers will also clean up audio files by normalizing loudness and compressing dynamic range.

Finding turnkey solutions

Working with a translation agency that provides turnkey solutions, you won’t need to worry about taking care of any of these steps on your own. While some translators may require that you provide them with transcribed scripts, many professional agencies are able to handle the process from start to finish.

Conclusion

When your budget allows, voice over translation is almost always the desired voice over translation method. It allows your audience to connect with the material in the video, whether it is an eLearning course, marketing material, a commercial, or a video for entertainment purposes.

The post Voice Over Translation: The Better Way to Translate Video Content appeared first on Interpro Translation Solutions.

Remote Interpretation Maintains Accuracy

Growing an audience while preserving the accuracy of a company’s message is essential. While it may seem like a monumental task, remote interpretation maintains accuracy with ease. When businesses and organizations participate in international events, it is vital that all attendees hear the same message regardless of their native language. Remote interpretation allows individuals to utilize devices, such as smartphones, tablets, or laptops, to listen to translated content in real time like everyone else in the room. For those who cannot attend the event in-person, this service also has the ability to share the content remotely using the same devices. Since this information is delivered in each listener’s native language, every individual at the event who uses remote interpretation hears a clear message delivered in an easily understandable format. This system allows content to be shared in a way that is both accurate and welcoming to multilingual audiences.

Remote Interpretation Improves Efficiency

Retaining content and delivering it in a way that feels personalized to each listener is remarkably important and also surprisingly efficient due to remote interpretation. With an estimated 2.5 billion smartphone users by 2019, employing services that capitalize on tools that customers already own is a no-brainer. Furthermore, since RSI is compatible with traditional interpreting software and hardware, this service can take place at virtually any time and in any location with Wi-Fi or a mobile data network.

Given the ease of set-up, interpretation is even available on short-notice. This quick turnaround gives companies and businesses more flexibility with planning and scheduling. It also allows the ability to add additional language requirements with little effort. At Interpro, language interpretation will be provided by skilled interpreters who can work from anywhere in the world, which can continue to grow with a company’s audience size.

Remote Interpretation Provides Savings

Perhaps the most surprising benefit of remote interpretation is at it provides significant savings to companies and organizations who utilize it. The interpretation process is streamlined—from its compatibility with existing software and hardware to the speed at which interpretations are delivered via listeners’ smartphones. As a result, it reduces the expenses that companies would typically incur. It also simplifies meetings during which content is planned and modified.

Moreso, RSI interpretation services are brought to event attendees digitally. This means companies can present to multilingual audiences at a single conference or event without Remote interpretation also eliminates the need for traditional interpreter booths and additional on-site equipment, saving more time and money regarding transportation and set up at event venues.

Moving Forward with RSI

Event organizers who are interested in capitalizing on the various benefits of remote interpretation can obtain an estimate of the costs by simply providing the required language(s), the length of the event, the number of attendees who will need interpretation for each language, and the number of rooms that need interpretation.

Today, remote simultaneous interpretation makes this a reality. With RSI, companies can reap the benefits of increased accuracy, efficiency, and decreased cost as they present their message to audiences around the world.

The post Breaking Language Barriers: The Benefits of Remote Interpretation for Events appeared first on Interpro Translation Solutions.