Sampling subtitling for the deaf and the hard-of-hearing in Europe

Abstract

Subtitling for the deaf and hard-of-hearing (SDH) has been around for quite some time and the practice is relatively widespread worldwide. In Europe, the first experiments with SDH on television largely coincided with the introduction of teletext. As new media gain popularity, new technologies are introduced and awareness of the need to provide information and entertainment that is accessible to all grows, the amount of subtitling also increases. Still, different countries go through different evolutions. They have different histories, traditions and priorities, and this has an impact on how much SDH these countries produce and broadcast and how they do this. Some of the major factors that have an impact on the development of SDH are: the political clout of groups representing people with hearing disabilities, the willingness of broadcasting companies to provide SDH even when there is no binding legislation, the swiftness with which such legislation is introduced, the availability of subtitling training, etc. This article, based on the results of an extensive questionnaire sent to professionals in a selection of western European counties, aims to provide a snapshot of an area in audiovisual translation (AVT) that is in a constant state of flux.

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