1 00:00:07,320 --> 00:00:10,280 EASIT. Easy Access for Social Inclusion Training. 2 00:00:12,560 --> 00:00:15,200 Unit 4. The Profession. 3 00:00:16,040 --> 00:00:19,000 Element 1. Personal Skills. 4 00:00:19,640 --> 00:00:24,040 Interviews with translation students or newly graduates 2. 5 00:00:25,160 --> 00:00:28,600 This video includes an interview with Rocío García. 6 00:00:29,280 --> 00:00:33,680 Rocío holds a BA in Translation and Interpreting 7 00:00:33,920 --> 00:00:39,160 and is currently studying an MA in Multimedia Translation. 8 00:00:40,640 --> 00:00:44,880 In this interview, Rocío talks about subtitling nowadays, 9 00:00:45,240 --> 00:00:48,800 to what extent these subtitles are accessible for all 10 00:00:49,120 --> 00:00:50,920 and how they could be improved. 11 00:00:52,160 --> 00:00:55,840 Hi, I'm Teresa Otero and I'm studying an MA in Multimedia Translation. 12 00:00:56,040 --> 00:00:57,520 at the Universidade de Vigo. 13 00:00:57,760 --> 00:01:01,640 I'm going to interview Rocío García about accessible subtitling. 14 00:01:01,960 --> 00:01:07,040 Rocío was my classmate during the BA and she still is in the MA. 15 00:01:07,400 --> 00:01:08,600 How are you, Rocío? 16 00:01:09,080 --> 00:01:13,960 Hello, I'm fine, just starting the second term of the MA. 17 00:01:14,720 --> 00:01:17,120 Are you ready for the questions? 18 00:01:17,960 --> 00:01:20,720 Yes, I'll try to answer the best I can. 19 00:01:21,000 --> 00:01:22,520 I'm sure you will. 20 00:01:23,080 --> 00:01:26,360 First of all, we'd like to hear your opinion 21 00:01:26,640 --> 00:01:30,960 on the subtitling that is used on TV, streaming platforms, etc. 22 00:01:31,200 --> 00:01:35,640 In your opinion, is it really accessible for everyone? 23 00:01:36,360 --> 00:01:40,200 Including people whose first language is Spanish sign language, 24 00:01:40,480 --> 00:01:44,880 who have cognitive disabilities or who have learning problems. 25 00:01:45,160 --> 00:01:49,920 As you know, some require more time to process the content of the text. 26 00:01:50,280 --> 00:01:51,480 What do you think? 27 00:01:52,240 --> 00:01:56,640 I don't think they are. 28 00:01:58,000 --> 00:02:02,680 Apart from subtitles for the deaf, which may be more widely known, 29 00:02:02,920 --> 00:02:05,480 especially by us because we've worked with them 30 00:02:06,400 --> 00:02:10,480 in the BA and will probably study them again in the MA. 31 00:02:12,480 --> 00:02:18,040 I think that most subtitles are designed for people 32 00:02:18,640 --> 00:02:23,160 without any kind of disability, needing the subtitles to be adapted 33 00:02:23,840 --> 00:02:26,040 to their needs. 34 00:02:26,280 --> 00:02:31,280 So I'd say they're not too accessible, so to speak. 35 00:02:31,960 --> 00:02:37,760 Some of the non-adapted subtitles that I've seen 36 00:02:39,440 --> 00:02:45,280 don't even follow the rules we were taught in the BA, 37 00:02:45,640 --> 00:02:50,600 so I don't want to imagine how these adapted subtitles can be. 38 00:02:52,000 --> 00:02:56,800 Do you think simplifying the subtitles could be a good way 39 00:02:57,120 --> 00:02:59,200 to adapt them to these users? 40 00:02:59,880 --> 00:03:02,200 I think so. 41 00:03:02,440 --> 00:03:06,720 I believe it could be one of the main strategies. 42 00:03:08,720 --> 00:03:12,280 I suppose everything could be based on simplification 43 00:03:12,520 --> 00:03:17,080 but it's also important to understand 44 00:03:17,400 --> 00:03:21,480 that the people we're talking about... 45 00:03:22,160 --> 00:03:26,240 That each group of people has specific needs 46 00:03:26,560 --> 00:03:32,040 so it's not the same to create subtitles for deaf people 47 00:03:32,680 --> 00:03:36,880 than to create them for cognitively disabled people. 48 00:03:37,200 --> 00:03:39,480 They have different needs. 49 00:03:40,760 --> 00:03:46,320 And simplification will vary depending on the group's necessities. 50 00:03:46,800 --> 00:03:51,960 But, in my opinion, simplification would be, in general 51 00:03:52,520 --> 00:03:55,920 the main strategy that should be followed. 52 00:03:56,760 --> 00:03:59,080 This question raises some issues. 53 00:03:59,360 --> 00:04:02,640 Should we use a version that caters to everyone? 54 00:04:02,960 --> 00:04:08,640 Or should we create different targeted versions 55 00:04:08,840 --> 00:04:14,320 for deaf people, and on the other hand for people with cognitive disabilities? 56 00:04:14,600 --> 00:04:16,320 It's a complex issue. 57 00:04:16,760 --> 00:04:18,880 I wanted to ask you something. 58 00:04:19,240 --> 00:04:21,600 As far as I know, 59 00:04:22,960 --> 00:04:26,480 some of these users might feel uncomfortable 60 00:04:26,840 --> 00:04:30,640 with the idea of their version being simplified 61 00:04:30,880 --> 00:04:34,760 because they might think you're omitting information... 62 00:04:36,120 --> 00:04:37,240 or maybe... 63 00:04:38,320 --> 00:04:41,160 think something's missing. What do you think? 64 00:04:42,040 --> 00:04:46,560 Should we use other strategies rather than just simplifying? 65 00:04:46,960 --> 00:04:51,120 Sure. For me, simplification depends on the situation. 66 00:04:51,320 --> 00:04:55,640 For example, simplification might be more appropriate 67 00:04:55,840 --> 00:04:58,800 for people with intellectual disabilities 68 00:04:59,000 --> 00:05:02,280 who need a simple vocabulary, 69 00:05:03,760 --> 00:05:08,160 shorter and easier sentences, a less technical vocabulary... 70 00:05:08,520 --> 00:05:12,560 It will all depend on the content, the audiovisual material... 71 00:05:12,800 --> 00:05:13,920 But... 72 00:05:16,240 --> 00:05:21,040 Even regular subtitles for people who don't have specific needs 73 00:05:22,960 --> 00:05:26,200 omit pieces of information and contain elements 74 00:05:26,440 --> 00:05:31,840 that allow the creation of functional subtitles. 75 00:05:32,360 --> 00:05:33,840 So in this case, 76 00:05:35,000 --> 00:05:40,200 although there might be people who think there's missing information 77 00:05:40,480 --> 00:05:42,480 or that it's being manipulated, 78 00:05:42,720 --> 00:05:44,920 I think it's important 79 00:05:45,760 --> 00:05:48,760 to make subtitles that are accessible for all 80 00:05:48,960 --> 00:05:51,600 in spite of using these strategies. 81 00:05:55,600 --> 00:06:01,040 Then we have subtitles for people without any disabilities 82 00:06:01,280 --> 00:06:02,960 which aren't as accessible. 83 00:06:04,520 --> 00:06:07,200 I guess that, if we make a comparison 84 00:06:07,440 --> 00:06:11,720 they're less modified regarding their content. 85 00:06:12,240 --> 00:06:16,840 But, of course, it's very difficult to satisfy all needs 86 00:06:19,040 --> 00:06:20,720 and please everyone. 87 00:06:21,080 --> 00:06:23,600 I guess someone should make 88 00:06:24,480 --> 00:06:28,120 some standard accessible subtitles 89 00:06:28,560 --> 00:06:32,760 so that all people with specific needs could access them. 90 00:06:33,880 --> 00:06:37,600 Obviously, there are different needs within each group 91 00:06:37,960 --> 00:06:40,720 and it's almost impossible 92 00:06:42,360 --> 00:06:46,040 to cater to all their needs and all their preferences. 93 00:06:46,480 --> 00:06:49,280 But I think it's necessary 94 00:06:50,840 --> 00:06:56,320 that we have some subtitles that are accessible for most people. 95 00:06:57,880 --> 00:07:01,520 It's very interesting that you bring up this topic. 96 00:07:01,800 --> 00:07:05,160 As I told you, this is a loaded issue 97 00:07:05,480 --> 00:07:11,040 and researchers haven't found a solution yet, 98 00:07:11,280 --> 00:07:13,600 they're still studying this topic. 99 00:07:14,480 --> 00:07:17,800 So, the next question. 100 00:07:18,040 --> 00:07:23,440 What kind of adaptations or simplifications would you propose 101 00:07:23,720 --> 00:07:26,880 for these subtitles? 102 00:07:27,160 --> 00:07:32,520 Once again, I believe it depends 103 00:07:32,800 --> 00:07:35,240 on the specific group in question. 104 00:07:35,520 --> 00:07:39,280 Deaf people will need 105 00:07:41,120 --> 00:07:44,280 specific subtitles and specific strategies 106 00:07:44,520 --> 00:07:48,400 and people with other disabilities will need other ones. 107 00:07:48,680 --> 00:07:50,400 It's like I said before: 108 00:07:51,280 --> 00:07:56,400 simpler vocabulary and sentences for intellectually disabled people... 109 00:07:58,480 --> 00:08:03,920 I'm not an expert nor am I familiar with all the specific needs 110 00:08:05,080 --> 00:08:08,120 of different users 111 00:08:08,400 --> 00:08:12,360 but there must be some rules 112 00:08:12,800 --> 00:08:18,120 on how to write a text to make it accessible for each group. 113 00:08:18,360 --> 00:08:24,160 So I guess subtitles should be adapted to the specific needs of each group. 114 00:08:24,360 --> 00:08:27,680 We must always bear in mind 115 00:08:28,240 --> 00:08:34,560 that each group will need different strategies. 116 00:08:39,360 --> 00:08:41,920 As far as I know 117 00:08:42,200 --> 00:08:44,080 some deaf people, for example 118 00:08:45,760 --> 00:08:49,240 need the structures to be modified 119 00:08:51,200 --> 00:08:54,560 so that they follow a concept order 120 00:08:54,880 --> 00:08:57,360 that may differ from oral language. 121 00:08:57,960 --> 00:09:01,920 Of course, because they process information differently. 122 00:09:04,200 --> 00:09:10,120 Moreover, I think there must be some rules, 123 00:09:11,320 --> 00:09:14,120 especially in the case of deaf people, 124 00:09:16,960 --> 00:09:20,720 in order to create subtitles 125 00:09:21,000 --> 00:09:24,000 that are truly accessible 126 00:09:24,320 --> 00:09:26,240 and easy to understand. 127 00:09:26,960 --> 00:09:31,880 When I studied translation and subtitling in the BA, 128 00:09:32,680 --> 00:09:34,440 I found it difficult 129 00:09:35,360 --> 00:09:38,960 as I didn't know enough about subtitling for the deaf 130 00:09:39,480 --> 00:09:42,440 to create specific subtitles 131 00:09:44,000 --> 00:09:46,840 since I don't have those special needs. 132 00:09:47,320 --> 00:09:51,720 So it's important to establish some rules 133 00:09:52,560 --> 00:09:55,880 at grammar level, for example 134 00:09:57,240 --> 00:10:00,800 to create texts that are easy to understand 135 00:10:01,160 --> 00:10:03,800 and accessible for these users. 136 00:10:06,920 --> 00:10:10,920 That's very interesting. I see you're well up on the subject. 137 00:10:15,640 --> 00:10:21,160 Do you think it's possible to apply these strategies to all programmes? 138 00:10:21,680 --> 00:10:25,640 Let's think about a comedy show. Do you think it's possible 139 00:10:26,160 --> 00:10:31,000 to implement the same modifications as in a documentary? 140 00:10:32,040 --> 00:10:36,880 I think that each type 141 00:10:38,440 --> 00:10:43,200 of audiovisual material will need different strategies. 142 00:10:43,480 --> 00:10:48,320 As you said, a technical documentary about a very specific topic 143 00:10:48,720 --> 00:10:53,560 is not the same as a comedy show or a cartoon. 144 00:10:53,800 --> 00:10:54,760 It's not the same. 145 00:10:54,960 --> 00:11:00,600 So, if different groups of people need different subtitles 146 00:11:01,240 --> 00:11:04,200 I believe the strategies that must be chosen 147 00:11:04,400 --> 00:11:07,960 for each kind of audiovisual product 148 00:11:08,200 --> 00:11:09,920 will also need to be different. 149 00:11:10,360 --> 00:11:11,920 Because... 150 00:11:13,280 --> 00:11:15,640 As you said, a comedy show 151 00:11:16,200 --> 00:11:18,840 will need certain strategies so that each group 152 00:11:19,120 --> 00:11:24,400 can understand the message and the meaning of the text. 153 00:11:26,760 --> 00:11:29,880 You wouldn't apply these strategies to a message 154 00:11:30,600 --> 00:11:34,680 that deals with technical or specialised topics. 155 00:11:35,280 --> 00:11:36,280 I agree. 156 00:11:37,000 --> 00:11:38,600 However, I don't know 157 00:11:39,280 --> 00:11:42,640 which measures we should take as subtitlers 158 00:11:42,880 --> 00:11:44,840 so I won't to go into detail. 159 00:11:45,120 --> 00:11:47,840 But it could be possible. 160 00:11:48,240 --> 00:11:53,280 I think everyone should have access to all these products 161 00:11:53,760 --> 00:11:58,200 not just the ones which are easier to subtitle, 162 00:11:58,440 --> 00:12:03,560 "I'm going to subtitle this product, as it's easy to make it accessible 163 00:12:03,840 --> 00:12:08,840 but this other one is too hard and technical. I'd rather not do it." 164 00:12:09,440 --> 00:12:13,240 I don't think that would be right nor ethical. 165 00:12:13,640 --> 00:12:15,560 We must find solutions 166 00:12:15,840 --> 00:12:20,480 that convey all the information and contents 167 00:12:20,760 --> 00:12:22,520 in the most accessible way. 168 00:12:23,600 --> 00:12:24,720 I agree with you. 169 00:12:27,560 --> 00:12:32,880 Do you ever watch any shows with these adapted subtitles? 170 00:12:33,880 --> 00:12:35,400 Honestly, I don't. 171 00:12:35,760 --> 00:12:39,640 I do have experience with subtitling for the deaf 172 00:12:40,280 --> 00:12:41,920 I already knew about it 173 00:12:42,880 --> 00:12:47,280 but these subtitles for people with intellectual disabilities... 174 00:12:48,040 --> 00:12:51,240 I had never heard about them. 175 00:12:55,640 --> 00:12:57,400 But if you start thinking 176 00:12:58,160 --> 00:13:00,600 you realise that they're necessary. 177 00:13:02,000 --> 00:13:03,520 From our point of view... 178 00:13:04,720 --> 00:13:10,920 We don't realise that people need many different kinds of subtitles. 179 00:13:11,160 --> 00:13:13,680 We think about subtitling for the deaf 180 00:13:14,080 --> 00:13:18,920 or maybe audiodescription for blind people. 181 00:13:21,360 --> 00:13:24,840 We just don't broaden the scope of accessibility. 182 00:13:26,120 --> 00:13:30,720 It's fascinating that you have such a broad view 183 00:13:31,440 --> 00:13:34,400 of all communicative needs. 184 00:13:35,080 --> 00:13:37,960 -It's very interesting. -Thank you. 185 00:13:38,840 --> 00:13:41,600 So, the last question. 186 00:13:41,880 --> 00:13:45,240 Have you ever heard of the concept easy to read? 187 00:13:45,560 --> 00:13:47,680 What do you know about it? 188 00:13:49,560 --> 00:13:52,960 Well, I think it's related 189 00:13:54,800 --> 00:13:58,240 rather to people with intellectual disabilities. 190 00:13:58,600 --> 00:14:02,960 I think it consists of creating simplified texts 191 00:14:03,240 --> 00:14:09,560 which are easier to understand for these users. 192 00:14:10,600 --> 00:14:12,840 I think it could be useful 193 00:14:14,480 --> 00:14:20,480 to create strategies to make subtitles for specific groups. 194 00:14:21,640 --> 00:14:25,080 I don't know much about this. 195 00:14:25,560 --> 00:14:29,360 I don't know if there's some sort of standard. 196 00:14:30,480 --> 00:14:33,360 There might already be an official standard 197 00:14:33,600 --> 00:14:35,440 on how these texts should be written. 198 00:14:36,640 --> 00:14:40,320 I suppose they deal with all kinds of texts 199 00:14:40,600 --> 00:14:44,080 not just simple texts. 200 00:14:44,320 --> 00:14:46,080 I guess... 201 00:14:48,760 --> 00:14:53,080 they're made so that these users have access to all kinds of content. 202 00:14:53,480 --> 00:14:57,240 Then, as I said, you can draw from there 203 00:14:57,520 --> 00:15:01,000 the strategies to create subtitles for these people. 204 00:15:02,720 --> 00:15:07,120 As I told you, it's a question that hasn't been answered yet. 205 00:15:07,800 --> 00:15:11,840 As I said before, maybe there are users that say, 206 00:15:12,040 --> 00:15:17,040 "Something's missing in the subtitles. I don't know why they're simplified. 207 00:15:17,240 --> 00:15:21,320 I understand them perfectly, I don't need this easy to read." 208 00:15:22,120 --> 00:15:24,840 It's... of course... 209 00:15:25,440 --> 00:15:30,120 As we said before, should there be just one version or many versions? 210 00:15:31,520 --> 00:15:34,760 Should those versions be simplified or not? 211 00:15:35,880 --> 00:15:39,160 This would be ideal: the more versions we have 212 00:15:39,400 --> 00:15:43,120 and the more accessible and customised, the better. 213 00:15:43,680 --> 00:15:46,760 -This may be unrealistic-- -Sure. 214 00:15:47,000 --> 00:15:51,120 But it would be ideal if we want to be truly inclusive 215 00:15:51,400 --> 00:15:57,120 and let everyone have access to the same content 216 00:15:57,400 --> 00:16:02,520 and have the same opportunities as non-disabled people. 217 00:16:03,280 --> 00:16:05,040 I totally agree with you. 218 00:16:06,440 --> 00:16:09,480 Do you want to add anything else? 219 00:16:10,120 --> 00:16:13,920 No, I think we've said everything we needed to. 220 00:16:15,320 --> 00:16:20,400 Thanks for your time and your answers, I've found them really interesting. 221 00:16:20,680 --> 00:16:22,440 Thank you for asking them. 222 00:16:23,920 --> 00:16:27,560 So that's all. 223 00:16:30,160 --> 00:16:31,960 -See you! -We'll keep in touch. 224 00:16:33,120 --> 00:16:36,520 -Thanks, Teresa. -Thank you, Rocío. 225 00:16:37,440 --> 00:16:41,560 This video was prepared by Teresa Otero and Rocío García 226 00:16:41,840 --> 00:16:43,400 from Universidade de Vigo 227 00:16:43,760 --> 00:16:48,120 and produced by Jesús Meiriño-Gómez, from Universidade de Vigo. 228 00:16:49,680 --> 00:16:53,320 EASIT has received funding from the EC programme 229 00:16:53,520 --> 00:16:57,680 Erasmus+ Strategic Partnerships for Higher Education 230 00:16:57,880 --> 00:17:04,800 grant agreement 2018-1-ES01-KA203-05275. 231 00:17:05,280 --> 00:17:08,480 The EC support for this publication 232 00:17:08,680 --> 00:17:10,880 does not endorse the contents 233 00:17:11,160 --> 00:17:13,360 which reflect the authors' views. 234 00:17:13,840 --> 00:17:15,840 The EC cannot be held responsible 235 00:17:16,080 --> 00:17:19,720 for any use of the information contained therein. 236 00:17:20,160 --> 00:17:23,640 This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 237 00:17:23,880 --> 00:17:26,920 ShareAlike 4.0 International License. 238 00:17:27,240 --> 00:17:29,120 Partners of the EASIT project. 239 00:17:29,520 --> 00:17:31,920 Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona. 240 00:17:32,120 --> 00:17:34,440 Università Degli Studi Di Trieste. 241 00:17:34,760 --> 00:17:36,320 Universidade de Vigo. 242 00:17:36,520 --> 00:17:38,400 Stiftung Universität Hildesheim. 243 00:17:38,720 --> 00:17:40,040 SDI München. 244 00:17:40,320 --> 00:17:41,680 Dyslexiförbundet. 245 00:17:41,960 --> 00:17:43,520 Radiotelevizija Slovenja. 246 00:17:43,800 --> 00:17:44,920 Zavod RISA. 247 00:17:52,040 --> 00:17:55,480 EASIT. Easy Access for Social Inclusion Training.