Exploring the Modalities of Audiovisual Translation: Focus on Dubbing and Subtitles

Abstract

Audiovisual translation (AVT) has become increasingly crucial in today’s global media landscape, enabling audiences to enjoy films and shows across language barriers. This article investigates two primary AVT modalities – dubbing and subtitling – with a focus on English-to-Azerbaijani translation. The purpose is to compare how each modality operates and to highlight their respective advantages, challenges, and impacts on viewers. The importance of AVT is first underscored by its role in making content accessible worldwide, as seen in the expansion of multilingual streaming services. Dubbing and subtitling are then compared: dubbing replaces the source speech with target-language dialogue, while subtitles display translated text on screen. Key insights from scholarly literature (e.g. Díaz Cintas, Gottlieb, Chaume) are reviewed, covering technical constraints, cultural and linguistic adaptation, and cognitive aspects of viewing. A qualitative methodology is outlined, comparing dubbed and subtitled versions of popular audiovisual products (such as Disney films) in English and Azerbaijani. The analysis examines how dubbing must contend with lip-sync and acting, whereas subtitling faces space and time limitations. Brief conclusions suggest that both modalities offer valuable but different viewer experiences. Dubbing can provide a seamless immersion when done well, and subtitling preserves the original performances; each comes with distinct challenges like idiom translation or synchronisation. The article concludes by reflecting on AVT’s significance and future directions, including the potential of AI-driven dubbing and real-time subtitling to further bridge language gaps.