5–6 December 2024, Sapienza University of Rome, Italy
Organised by the SL @VT Research Team
- Description and Call for Papers
Audiovisual Translation and Media Accessibility in Education: A Global Perspective
Over the last couple of decades, the application of Audiovisual Translation (AVT) modes (e.g. dubbing, subtitling, voiceover) and Media Accessibility (MA) practices (e.g. SDH, audio description) in foreign language teaching and learning has gained momentum (Sokoli 2006; Díaz-Cintas and Cruz, 2008; Incalcaterra, 2009; Chiu 2012; Zabalbeascoa et al. 2012; Bolaños-García-Escribano and Navarrete, 2018; Navarrete, 2018; Lertola, 2019; Talaván and Rodríguez-Arancón, 2019; Herrero et al. 2020 to name but a few). Scholarly research has concentrated on developing methodologies and technological tools within didactic AVT and MA (recently referred to as DAT, see Talaván et al., 2024) to be used in higher education settings as well as other areas such as language for specific purposes and primary education, among others. Among the projects that pioneered this approach were Learning Via Subtitling (LeViS) (2006-2008), Babelium (2013–2015), SubLanLearn (2009–2012), ClipFlair (2011-2014), and PluriTAV (2016–2019). Research outputs stemming from these projects have previously provided empirical evidence for language improvement while adopting AVT and MA practices within different learning contexts, often with a focus on foreign language education.
More recent research projects such as TRADILEX (2019–2023) and SL @VT (Audiovisual Tools and Methodologies to Enhance Second Language Acquisition and Learning, 2022–) have sought to provide further understanding of the challenges and benefits in the teaching of both languages and translation. In particular, SL @VT has been designed to extend the directionality and breadth of language learning, by including for instance Greek, Polish and Korean, aside from frequently taught languages such as English, Italian, German and Spanish. We are also particularly interested in how AVT and MA practices can be effectively integrated into other disciplines, such as film studies, as well as their potential to raise awareness about societal issues such as disability, intersectionality and inclusion, among others.
In light of the above, this conference aims to gather proposals that can offer further insights into the use of AVT and MA not only in language learning but other areas of education, thus helping scholarly research to reach a more global perspective in this theory and practice. As much of the AVT research available has traditionally focused on European languages, we are also interested to hear from those making use of multimodal and AVT tools to teach languages such as Arabic, Chinese, Hindi, Japanese and so forth. Furthermore, we are interested in what methodologies are being created to enhance both language learning and translation training as a professional practice. Contributions that examine DAT and MA methodologies from a comprehensive perspective, highlighting the possible challenges, benefits and drawbacks, are particularly welcome.
Audiovisual Translation and Media Accessibility in Education: A Global Perspective is organised by the SL @VT Research Team and will take place at Department of European, American and Intercultural Studies, Sapienza University of Rome (Italy), on Thursday 5th and Friday 6th December 2024.
The Scientific Committee would like to consider 20-minute paper proposals engaging with education and the following key topics:
Captioning (interlingual and intralingual subtitling)
Revoicing (dubbing, voice-over, free commentary)
Media accessibility (including audio description and subtitling for the deaf and hard-of-hearing audiences)
Other AVT-MA practices (including respeaking, surtitling, easy-to-read language)
Non-professional practices (fansubbing, fundubbing and fandubbing)
Technologies in language learning (digital platforms, applications) with a focus on AVT-MA
AVT-MA and language education in formal and non-formal contexts (e.g. curriculum design, assessment)
Curriculum design and assessment in language and translation education settings with a focus on AVT-MA
Audiovisual language and film studies education
AVT-MA as a cultural mediation tool in language teaching and learning
AVT-MA and teacher training
Proposals will be subject to a double-blind peer-review process. Following the conference, the Scientific Committee will shortlist a number of papers to be included in an edited book published by an international publisher via Open Access.
Working language
English
References
Bolaños-García-Escribano, A., & Navarrete, M. (2018). An action-oriented approach to didactic dubbing in foreign language education: Students as producers. XLinguae, 15(2), 103-120. DOI: 10.18355/XL.2022.15.02.08.
Chiu, Y. (2012). Can film dubbing projects facilitate EFL learners’ acquisition of English pronunciation? British Journal of Educational Technology, 43(1), E24-E27. https ://doi.org/10.1111/j.1467-8535.2011.01252.
Díaz-Cintas, J., & Cruz, F. (2008). Using subtitled video materials for foreign language instruction. In J. Díaz-Cintas (Ed.), The Didactics of Audiovisual Translation. John Benjamins. DOI:10.1075/btl.77.20.
Herrero, C., Valverde, K., Costal, T., & Sánchez-Requena, A. (2020). The “Film and Creative Engagement Project”: Audiovisual accessibility and telecollaboration. Research in Education and Learning Innovation Archives, 24, 89-104. DOI: 10.7203/realia.24.16744.
Incalcaterra McLoughlin, L. (2009). Inter-semiotic translation in foreign language acquisition: the case of subtitles. In A. Witte, T. Harden & A. Ramos de Oliveira Harden (Eds.), Translation in second language learning and teaching (pp. 227-244). Peter Lang.
Lertola, J. (2019). Audiovisual translation in the foreign language classroom: applications in the teaching of English and other foreign languages. Voillans: Research-Publishing.net. https ://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/ED593736.pdf.
Navarrete, M. (2018). The Use of audio description in foreign language education: A preliminary approach. Translation and Translanguaging in Multilingual Context, 4(1), 129-150. https ://doi.org/10.1075/ttmc.00007.nav.
Sokoli, S. (2006) “Learning via Subtitling (LvS): A tool for the creation of foreign language learning activities based on film subtitling” in Carroll M. and H. Arbogast (eds) Audiovisual Translation Scenarios: Proceedings of the Marie Curie Euroconferences.
Talaván, N., & Rodríguez-Arancón, P. (2019). Voice-over to improve oral production skills: the VICTOR project. In J. D. Sanderson & C. Botella-Tejera (Eds.), Focusing on Audiovisual Translation Research (pp. 211-236). PUV Universitat de Valencia.
Talaván, N., Lertola, J., Fernández-Costales, A. (2024). Didactic Audiovisual Translation and Foreign Language Education. London and New York: Routledge.
Zabalbeascoa, P., Sokoli, S., & Torres, O. (2012). Conceptual framework and pedagogical methodology. Lifelong learning programme. http ://clip#air.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/D2.1ConceptualFramework.pdf..- Deadlines and fees
The abstract submission is now officially closed
01 July 2024 – Notification of acceptance
5-6 December 2024 – Conference, Sapienza University of Rome, Italy
Early bird registration (by 31 July 2024) Early bird or ESIST Member €100,00 PhD student or PhD ESIST member €50,00 Early bird registration is now closed .
Regular registration (by 15 September 2024) Regular fee €150,00 ESIST member €100,00 PhD student €75,00 PhD ESIST member €50,00 Regular registration is now closed .
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BA, MA students: free entry but the they must e-mail the organisers for reservation by 15 October 2024.
ESIST members will enjoy the early bird fee, regardless of the time of registration.
Registration includes coffee breaks and buffet lunches over two days. It does not include the cost of the Conference dinner (optional).- Keynote Speakers
Noa Talaván is a professor of English Studies in the Foreign Languages Department of the Universidad Nacional de Education a Distancia (UNED), Spain. Her main field of research is didactic audiovisual translation. She has been running teaching innovation projects on this topic and publishing on this area for almost two decades. Currently, she coordinates the teaching innovation research group ARENA (Accessibility, audiovisual translation and language learning) and the research group TRADIT (didactic audiovisual translation), both based at the UNED, and has recently coordinated the national project TRADILEX (audiovisual translation as a didactic resource in foreign language education).Didactic audiovisual translation: history and future prospects
This presentation will introduce the field of Didactic Audiovisual Translation (DAT) via a journey through time. From the first authors who mentioned and researched the active use of subtitling (Díaz-Cintas, 1995; Williams & Thorne, 2000), to the description of the relevance of the pioneering projects LEVIS and CLIPFLAIR (Sokoli, 2020; Sokoli et al., 2011), to finish with the latest advances in the last five years, where DAT can be said to have become a branch of audiovisual translation (AVT) in its own right.
The methodology behind the active production of subtitles, revoicing tracks, accessibility versions, etc. by language learners has fortunately evolved thanks to a large number of researchers and practitioners who have believed in the potential benefits of using AVT as a didactic resource in language education. This has given the educational use of the various AVT modes a solid and reliable base to build upon year after year, and has brought DAT as a field of research and practice to the recognizable status it has today in academia (Plaza-Lara et al., 2024; Talaván et al., 2024).
This presentation will not only outline the history of DAT, but will also provide a comprehensive picture of its present situation. Finally, further studies that may not only help advance and grow this area of study and practice, but also consolidate certain topics that may need additional piloting and expert support will be advocated for.
REFERENCES
Díaz-Cintas, J. (1995). El subtitulado como técnica docente. Vida Hispánica, 12, 10–14.
Plaza-Lara, C., Ogea-Pozo, M. del M., & Botella-Tejera, C. (Eds.). (2024). Empirical Studies in Didactic Audiovisual Translation. Routledge.
Sokoli, S. (2020). Exploring the possibilities of interactive audiovisual activities for language learning. In L. Incalcaterra McLoughlin, J. Lertola, & N. Talaván (Eds.), Audiovisual translation in applied linguistics (pp. 79–97). John Benjamins.
Sokoli, S., Zabalbeascoa Terran, P., & Fountana, M. (2011). Subtitling activities for foreign language learning what learners and teachers think. In L. Incalcaterra, M. Biscio, & M. A. Ní Mhainnín (Eds.), Audiovisual translation: subtitles and subtitling: theory and practice (pp. 229–242). Peter Lang.
Talaván, N., Lertola, J., & Fernández-Costales, A. (2024). Didactic Audiovisual Translation and Foreign Language Education. Routledge.
Williams, H., & Thorne, D. (2000). The value of teletext subtitling as a medium for language learning. System, 28(2), 217–228. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0346-251X(00)00008-7
Jieun Kiaer is the YBM-KF Professor of Korean Linguistics at the University of Oxford’s Asian and Middle Eastern Studies Faculty. Her research encompasses Asian linguistics, focusing on marginalized languages and multimodal linguistics/translations. She also investigates the impact of AI on linguistic justice and diversity, with a specific emphasis on minoritized and under-resourced languages. As a linguist, pragmatist, and specialist in Asian studies, Professor Kiaer has published extensively in linguistics and translation studies. Her work transcends traditional Western, text-centric approaches to language, embracing non-European and multi-modal perspectives to offer a more nuanced understanding of human communication. She is also the Series Editor of the Routledge Studies in East Asian Translation and has published widely on Hallyu and its translation.The K-Wave in Translation: Redefining Languages Through Audiovisual and Social Media
Jieun Kiaer & Hark-Joon Lee (University of Oxford)
The global rise of K-pop, as part of the broader Korean Wave (K-Wave), has significantly impacted language learning and cultural exchange, especially among the younger generation. This paper explores how audiovisual translation (AVT) in social media is redefining language practices, emphasizing the multi-modal nature of contemporary communication and the border-crossing nature of languages in both physical and virtual worlds.
K-pop, with its blend of Korean, English, and other languages, presents unique challenges and opportunities for AVT. This study examines the translation methods used in K-pop content on social media platforms like YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok, focusing on subtitling, dubbing, and live translations. By analyzing these practices, the paper aims to identify effective strategies for integrating K-pop into language education.
Fan-generated content, such as fansubbing and fandubbing, plays a crucial role in making K-pop accessible globally. This research investigates how these non-professional practices contribute to language learning and cultural mediation, offering insights into their potential for formal and informal education settings. The study also explores the technological tools that facilitate these translation efforts and their impact on language acquisition.
Additionally, this paper highlights how K-pop translations on social media promote a multi-modal understanding of languages, combining text, audio, and visual elements to create a richer language learning experience. By examining K-pop as a border-crossing phenomenon, the paper discusses how language practices transcend physical and virtual boundaries, fostering global communication and cultural exchange.
Furthermore, the paper will also delve into the language of K-documentaries, presenting insights from the second author, who has created a K-pop documentary. This discussion will explore the specific AVT challenges and opportunities within K-documentaries, further illustrating the diverse applications of AVT in the context of the K-Wave.
Moreover, the influence of fandoms in shaping languages and translations will be examined. It is the fans who actively engage with and transform the language of K-pop through their creative practices, making and shaping translations that resonate with global audiences. The study will highlight how these fan-driven efforts contribute to the evolving landscape of language and translation in the digital age.
- Programme
- Organisation
The SL @VT Research Team
Margherita Dore (Sapienza University of Rome, Italy)
Irene Ranzato (Sapienza University of Rome, Italy)
Fabio Ciambella (Sapienza University of Rome, Italy)
Monika Wozniak (Sapienza University of Rome, Italy)
Paolo Bottoni (Sapienza University of Rome, Italy)
Giuseppina De Nicola (University of Turin, Italy)
Stavroula Sokoli (Hellenic Open University, Greece)
Alejandro Bolaños (University College London, United Kingdom)
Agata Hołobut (Jagiellonian University, Krakow, Poland)
Giovanni Raffa (Sapienza University of Rome, Italy)
Matteo Testa (Sapienza University of Rome, Italy)
Marco Rendina (Cinecittà and EUscreen Foundation)
Gianluca Scatena (Independent IT expert, Italy)
Scientific Committee
Margherita Dore (Sapienza University of Rome, Italy)
Irene Ranzato (Sapienza University of Rome, Italy)
Monika Wozniak (Sapienza University of Rome, Italy)
Fabio Ciambella (Sapienza University of Rome, Italy)
Paolo Bottoni (Sapienza University of Rome, Italy)
Giuseppina De Nicola (University of Turin, Italy)
Stavroula Sokoli (Hellenic Open University, Greece)
Alejandro Bolaños (University College London, United Kingdom)
Agata Hołobut (Jagiellonian University, Krakow, Poland)
Giovanni Raffa (Sapienza University of Rome, Italy)
Micòl Beseghi (University of Parma, Italy)
Alessandra Rizzo (University of Palermo, Italy)
José Javier Ávila-Cabrera (UNED, Spain)
Larissa D’Angelo (University of Bergamo, Italy)
Masood Khoshsaligheh (Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Iran)- Conference Dinner and Social programme
The Conference Dinner will take place at the restaurant Pesce fritto e baccalà, Via dei Falisci, 4/8, 00185 Roma, Thursday 5th December https://www.osteriapescefrittoebaccala.it/en/home-english/.
The cost per person is set at €40 to be paid in advance at the registration desk of the conference on the 5th December.
Visit to the Galleria Nazionale di Arte Moderna e Contemporanea (Saturday 7th December, 10.00 am, ticket €10)
We would like to meet at 10.00 am in front of the museum. The visit will be approximately one hour and then you may leave or walk with us through villa Borghese and reach the passeggiata del Pincio to enjoy the beautiful view of Rome. You will then be free to go for a coffee, lunch and/or Christmas shopping in Via del Corso.
The ticket can be paid and collected at the museum, but your registration to this event now will help us inform the management about our visit and how many people to expect prior to our arrival. This will also ensure enough tickets will be reserved for the time slot we chose.
Link to the google form for registration to the social program:
- Practicalities
Sapienza, Edificio Marco Polo, ADDRESS: Circonvallazione Tiburtina 4, 00185 Roma. ROOM 107
Map of the Sapienza Marco Polo building
Venue: Università di Roma Sapienza, Dipartimento di Studi Europei Americani e Interculturali, Edificio ‘ Marco Polo’, Circonvallazione Tiburtina 4, 00185 Roma
Transport
Main transport stopping near Sapienza Marco Polo building:[Bus] Buses: 105, 218, 492, 542, 71, 88
[Treno] Trains: FC1
[Metro] Underground: A, C
[Tram] Trams: 19, 3
