This is an ADLAB PRO video.
ADLAB PRO is a project funded by the European Union.
This video is made available to you
on a Creative Commons licence.
Hello. I’m Agnieszka Chmiel from Adam Mickiewicz University
in Poznan, Poland. In this ADLAB PRO video
I will present the basic information
related to language in audio description.
This is Unit 7 "Language" in Module 2 "Screen AD".
The words in audio description replace images
so they should be vivid and paint a picture
in the mind of the blind viewer.
The language used should also be brief
and as descriptive as possible due to time constraints.
Don't use metalanguage, such as “we see” or “in front of us”.
Use specific vocabulary.
When it comes to nouns,
it's better to say a “dachshund” than a “dog”.
Similarly, a “turtleneck” will be more telling
than a more general “sweater”.
Use specific and descriptive verbs.
It's more informative to say that the character “skips”
or “marches” instead of “walks”.
Don't avoid colors in your description.
Some blind people who have lost sight have visual memory of colours.
Even congenitally blind have certain associations wi th colours.
Adverbs should be used sparingly.
It's better and shorter to use a specific verb.
For example: say “grin” instead of “smile widely”.
Avoid subjective and ambiguous adverbs
that do not describe anything, such as:
characteristically or appropriately.
Use simple present tense and short sentences.
You can vary syntax to match the scenes.
Use short sentences and ellipses for fast action.
Use longer and more complex sentences
for descriptive, illustrative scenes.
Similies and metaphors could be useful
but they should be used with caution.
For example:
The stage stands on end and sinks like the Titanic.
He holds the syringe like a dart and inserts it in the buttock.
The lightning hits the water.
A web of blue zigzags, illuminating the raging ocean.
It's easy to imagine, isn't it?
Remember to organise your descripton in the appropriate order.
For instance, when describing appearance
you can move from top to bottom:
wearing a green hat, a pink suit and dark grey high heels.
Watch our additional videos
related to describing sensitive content
and various genres such as, children's films,
comedies, TV shows and documentaries.
If you want to find out more, I recommend reading
Remael’s “Audio description for recorded TV, cinema and DVD.
An experimental stylesheet for teaching purposes”
and ITC Guidance on Standards for Audio Description.
I hope you have learned some interesting things
about the language of audio description from this video. Bye!
The preparation of this presentation
was supported by ADLAB PRO. Audio Description:
A Laboratory for the Development of a New Professional Profile
financed by the European Union under the Erasmus+ Programme,
Key Action 2, Strategic Partnerships.
Project number:
2016-1-IT02-KA203-024311.
The information and views set out in this presentation
are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect
the official opinion of the European Union.
Neither the European Union institutions and bodies
nor any person acting on their behalf
may be held responsible for the use
which may be made of the information contained therein.
This was an ADLAB PRO video.
ADLAB PRO partners are: University of Trieste,
Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona,
University of Antwerp, Adam Mickiewicz University,
RTV Slovenia, Utopian Voices,
Soundfocus and Royal National Institute of Blind People.
ADLAB PRO was funded by the European Union.
This video was made available to you
on a Creative Commons licence.