scholarly journals Tracking multimodal cohesion in Audio Description: Examples from a Dutch audio description corpus

2019 ◽  
Vol 17 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nina Reviers
Keyword(s):  
Conceptual Framework ◽  
Present Article ◽  
Visually Impaired ◽  
Multimodal Interaction ◽  
Blind And Visually Impaired ◽  
Sound Effects ◽  
Audio Description ◽  
Audiovisual Translation ◽  
The Individual ◽  
Selection Of

One of the main questions addressed by multimodality research—the main conceptual framework for analysing audiovisual texts—is how the different modes of audiovisual texts combined—visual, verbal, aural—create supplementary meaning in texts, over and above the meanings conveyed by the individual constituents. Ensuring that this multimodal interaction or multimodal cohesion remains intact is a key challenge in the practice of audiovisual translation (AVT), and particularly in Audio Description (AD) for the blind and visually impaired. The present article therefore studies the functioning of multimodal cohesion in audio-described texts by analysing the types of interaction between descriptive units and sound effects in a selection of Dutch audio-described films and series. The article begins with a detailed description of the methodology which is based on multimodal transcription and concludes with an overview of the types of multimodal cohesive relations identified.

scholarly journals Audesc: Translating Images into Words for Spanish Visually Impaired People

2004 ◽  
Vol 49 (2) ◽  
pp. 264-277 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ana I. Hernández-Bartolomé1 ◽  
Gustavo Mendiluce-Cabrera1
Keyword(s):  
Special Needs ◽  
Visually Impaired ◽  
Minority Groups ◽  
Translation Studies ◽  
Social Sector ◽  
Blind And Visually Impaired ◽  
Audio Description ◽  
Visually Impaired People ◽  
Impaired People ◽  
Audiovisual Translation

Abstract Although audiovisual translation is a relatively new field within Translation Studies, it is widening its perspectives to recent areas. Some of them are particularly concerned with minority groups, such as sensory impaired people. Specifically, the blind and visually impaired constitute an unexplored group. In this paper we introduce the system of “audio description,” which translates images into words to make audiovisual products accessible to this special-needs social sector. Since not much literature on the topic is available, we will provide the background and some general procedures for this type of intersemiotic translation. However, our greatest interest will be Audesc, the Spanish audio descriptive project developed by ONCE (the Spanish Organisation for the Blind), mainly applied to the cinema and the theatre. Finally, our paper hints at attaching the audio describer’s role to the audiovisual translator’s.

scholarly journals Creative description: The impact of audio description style on presence in visually impaired audiences

2017 ◽  
Vol 35 (1) ◽  
pp. 6-17 ◽  
Author(s):  
Agnieszka Walczak ◽  
Louise Fryer
Keyword(s):  
Visually Impaired ◽  
Ecological Validity ◽  
Spatial Presence ◽  
Negative Effects ◽  
Blind And Visually Impaired ◽  
Audio Description ◽  
Sight Loss ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Viewing Experience ◽  
Principle Of Objectivity

This article presents a study that tested the impact of audio description (AD) style on dimensions of presence (spatial presence, ecological validity, engagement, and negative effects) in blind and visually impaired audiences. The participants were shown two fragments of a naturalistic drama with two styles of description: ‘standard’ and ‘creative’. While the former followed the principle of objectivity, the latter was an innovative type of AD that included elements of camera work and subjective descriptions of the characters, their actions, and scenes crucial to the plot. The findings show that the emotive AD prompted higher levels of presence for all participants. Overall, the new AD style seemed more natural, especially to participants with recent sight loss. The results suggest that creative scripts may stimulate presence and thus increase the chances of AD users having a more immersive viewing experience.

scholarly journals Audiodescription des arts plastiques. Autoportrait de Dora Maar

2021 ◽  
Vol 48 (4) ◽  
pp. 79-90
Author(s):  
Anna Wendorff
Keyword(s):  
Eye Tracking ◽  
Visually Impaired ◽  
Aesthetic Experience ◽  
Visual Disabilities ◽  
Blind And Visually Impaired ◽  
Audio Description ◽  
Impaired Person

The article addresses the problem of intersemiotic translation: translating images into words. The first part deals with the issue of image hermeneutics. Following this, eye tracking research is briefly described and museum audio description for the blind and visually impaired is introduced. A case study of Self-portrait of Dora Maar is carried out, highlighting the importance of sight in the artist’s work. The text tries to answer the following questions: Who and using which techniques and strategies should translate images into words for recipients with visual disabilities, so that the translation is satisfactory and adapted to their perception? How to provide a visually impaired person with an aesthetic experience without imposing our own perception of the image on them?

scholarly journals Strategies of planning online scientific projects for blind and visually impaired students

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (4) ◽  
pp. 35-44
Author(s):  
Ekaterina A. Gradaleva ◽  
Maria Houston
Keyword(s):  
Distance Learning ◽  
Visually Impaired ◽  
Low Vision ◽  
Learning Opportunities ◽  
Assistive Technologies ◽  
Blind And Visually Impaired ◽  
Audio Description ◽  
Visually Impaired People ◽  
Visually Impaired Students ◽  
Tools And Techniques

The paper describes distance learning opportunities for blind and visually impaired students. The research aims at analyzing various tools and techniques that are necessary for their participation in online scientific projects and conferences. Methodology includes analysis of pedagogical studies, the survey carried out during International Conference for Students at Samara State Technical University, examination of educational activities performed for blind and visually impaired students all over the world, in particular the experience of American Foundation for the Blind. The findings show that distance learning programmes for blind and visually impaired people are becoming popular in many countries, but in Russia there are only a few of them. The authors prove the necessity of doing research in this sphere. It is recommended that more distance learning opportunities are created for such students at Russian universities. The analysis shows that it is even easier to plan the inclusion of blind and visually impaired students in the online scientific events that are not new and have already been held for wider public. The authors conclude that it is essential to adapt the existing system of distance learning using special tools and techniques, which are described in the article. These are accessible platforms, software used with assistive technologies, keyboard controls, audio description, smartphone apps, etc. Special emphasis is laid upon planning webinars for blind and low vision participants. This research can serve as a guide for making online scientific events accessible for all people.

scholarly journals Patrząc w przeszłość, patrząc w przyszłość – 10 lat audiodeskrypcji filmowej w Polsce

2018 ◽  
Vol 24 (40) ◽  
pp. 139-158
Author(s):  
Anna Jankowska
Keyword(s):  
Visually Impaired ◽  
State Of The Art ◽  
The State ◽  
Legal Regulations ◽  
The Past ◽  
Audio Description ◽  
The Future ◽  
History Of ◽  
New Type ◽  
Audiovisual Translation

Looking into the Past, Looking into the Future – 10 Years of Film Audio Description in Poland This article presents the history of the development of audio description (AD) in Poland and gives an overview of the state of the art ten years after the introduction of this new type of audiovisual translation aimed at visually impaired audiences. The following aspects of AD in Poland are discussed: AD accessibility, standards of its creation, availability of training and legal regulations.

scholarly journals An Art History & Art Making Course for Blind Adults

2013 ◽  
Vol 33 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Street Thoma
Keyword(s):  
Art History ◽  
Visually Impaired ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
Art Museum ◽  
Art Making ◽  
Blind And Visually Impaired ◽  
Audio Description ◽  
History Of ◽  
Visually Impaired Students ◽  
Philadelphia Museum Of Art

<p>The manager of the Philadelphia Museum of Arts accessible programs gives a history of the institution&rsquo;s services for people with disabilities, with particular attention to services for the blind and visually impaired.&nbsp; These include descriptive tours, touch tours, three-dimensional tactile interpretations of two-dimensional works, and a long standing art history and art making class for blind and visually impaired students, Form in Art.&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;Key words:</p><p>Philadelphia Museum of Art, museum accessibility, touch tours, descriptive tours, audio description, blind artists, art education for the blind and visually impaired.&nbsp;</p>

scholarly journals DIFFERENCES IN TACTILE PERCEPTION IN CHILDREN WITH AND WITHOUT VISUAL IMPAIRMENT

2018 ◽  
Vol 8 (2) ◽  
pp. 65-70
Author(s):  
Dženana Radžo Alibegović ◽  
◽  
Amela Teskeredžića ◽  
Aldijana Kudumović ◽  
◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Visual Impairment ◽  
Visually Impaired ◽  
Tactile Perception ◽  
Children And Youth ◽  
Blind And Visually Impaired ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Individual Variables ◽  
The Individual ◽  
Impaired Children ◽  
Visually Impaired Children

The aim of this study was to examine the differences in tactile perception in children with and without visual impairment. The study covered 30 examinees with visual impairment and 30 subjects without visual impairment aged 7-13, both sexes. The research was conducted in the "First Elementary School" ("Prva osnovna škola") in Zavidovići and the "Centre for Blind and Visually Impaired Children and Youth" Nedžarići - Sarajevo. The results of the study showed that children with visual impairment have a better developed tactile perception in their entirety, compared to children with no visual impairment, and that there is a statistically significant difference in the individual variables of tactile perception: " Two-Point Discrimination" (right), " Two-Point Discrimination R "(left) and" Stereognosis "(left).

Audio Description with Audio Subtitling for Dutch Multilingual Films: Manipulating Textual Cohesion on Different Levels

2013 ◽  
Vol 57 (2) ◽  
pp. 385-407 ◽  
Author(s):  
Aline Remael
Keyword(s):  
Foreign Language ◽  
Visually Impaired ◽  
Current Practice ◽  
Target Audience ◽  
Research Project ◽  
Blind And Visually Impaired ◽  
Strong Trend ◽  
Audio Description ◽  
Sound Engineer ◽  
Different Levels

There is a strong trend towards multilingualism in Flemish and Dutch films today. In order to make such films accessible for a blind and visually impaired audience, the audio description (AD), which supplies the information from the visuals that cannot be accessed by this target audience, must be combined with audio subtitling (AST), for the translation of the dialogue. Today, a wide variety of strategies is used to accomplish this form of textual manipulation, but current practice is largely based on intuition. The present paper reports on the first phase of a research project carried out on four films, in collaboration with the AD scriptwriter and the sound engineer responsible for the recordings of the Dutch films with AD and AST, two of which will be considered here: Oorlogswinter (Winter in Wartime 2008) and Tirza (2010). The project makes use of four films, but due to limits of space we focus on two only, aiming to reply to three questions. First, we look at how the AST is inserted and whether it interacts with the films’ foreign language dialogue exchanges. Then we consider whether intonation contributes to the coherence of the text. To conclude, the audio and written subtitles are compared. Finally, suggestions for further research are provided.

Studying the language of Dutch audio description

2018 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
pp. 178-202 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nina Reviers
Keyword(s):  
Qualitative Analysis ◽  
Corpus Linguistics ◽  
Language Use ◽  
Systemic Functional Linguistics ◽  
Specific Form ◽  
Blind And Visually Impaired ◽  
Part Of Speech ◽  
Audio Description ◽  
Linguistic Patterns ◽  
Audiovisual Translation

Abstract The present paper aims to combine insights from Applied Linguistics, Corpus Linguistics, Multimodality Research and Audiovisual Translation Studies in order to explore language use in a specific form of audiovisual translation, namely Audio Description (AD) for the blind and visually impaired. It is said that the communicative function of ADs and their multimodal context have a significant influence on the lexical, grammatical and syntactical choices describers make. This article aims to uncover these idiosyncratic linguistic patterns by conducting a quantitative and qualitative analysis of an annotated, audiovisual corpus of 39 Dutch films and series that have been released with AD in Flanders and the Netherlands. The paper analyses frequency lists, keywords, part-of-speech distributions and type-token ratios statistically and subsequently conducts a qualitative analysis taking systemic functional linguistics as a theoretical framework. The results confirm the hypothesis that the language of AD is idiosyncratic and highlight the most salient lexico-grammatical features characterising the language of Dutch AD.

scholarly journals Enhancing Audio Description: Inclusive Cinematic Experiences Through Sound Design

2021 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mariana Lopez ◽  
Gavin Kearney ◽  
Krisztian Hofstadter
Keyword(s):  
Focus Groups ◽  
Visually Impaired ◽  
Sound Design ◽  
Design Strategies ◽  
3D Audio ◽  
Film And Television ◽  
Sound Effects ◽  
Audio Description ◽  
Third Person ◽  
Aesthetic Preferences

This paper explores the creation of an alternative to traditional Audio Description for visually impaired film and television audiences. The Enhanced Audio Description (EAD) methods utilise sound design as the main vehicle for accessibility and advocate for the integration of accessibility practices to filmmaking workflows.  Moreover, this integrated strategy results in an organic form of accessibility that can cater for both visually impaired and sighted audiences, championing inclusive cinematic experiences.  The present article reflects on the discussions held during focus groups in which mixed audiences of visually impaired and sighted people watched the same film, with the same EAD soundtrack over headphones.  The discussions highlight the potential of the format as an example of universal design and accessible filmmaking, which can be enjoyed regardless of audience’s sight condition and can be offered alongside traditional Audio Description (AD) in order to cater for different aesthetic preferences. Lay summary Audio Description (AD) is a third person commentary added to film and television productions to make them accessible for visually impaired audiences.  Traditionally, AD is added to productions after they have been completed, meaning that the creative and accessibility teams do not work together to produce the accessible version of the production.  This paper explores an alternative to traditional AD, called Enhanced Audio Description (EAD), whose methods are integrated to filmmaking workflows.  EAD moves away from a focus on verbal descriptions and instead focuses on sound design strategies.  In EAD the traditional third person commentary is replaced by the combination of three techniques.  The first is the addition of sound effects to provide information on actions, convey abstract scenes as well as indicate time, place, and the presence of characters. The second is the use of binaural audio (3D audio over headphones) to convey the position of characters and objects portrayed on the screen. Finally, first-person narration is used to portray feelings, gestures, colours as well as certain actions. The application of EAD methods results in a form of accessibility that can cater for both visually impaired and sighted audiences, championing inclusive cinematic experiences. Focus groups with audiences of visually impaired and sighted people demonstrated the potential of the format to be widely enjoyed, and to be offered alongside traditional Audio Description (AD) in order to provide accessible experiences which cater for different aesthetic preferences.

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