Module Catalogue 2024/25

Pre Requisite Comment

None

Co Requisite Comment

None

Aims

This module introduces students to the concepts and theory of subtitling and video game localisation, helps them become aware of cultural differences, and develops their knowledge about cross-cultural communications via mass media and audio-visual media, such as film, TV programmes, and on-line games.

This module aims at helping students acquire skills and strategies for translating and dubbing Chinese-English subtitles of films, videos, and television programmes from a range of genres, including feature films and documentaries. It also aims at helping students develop skills and strategies, including transcreation skills, for video game localisation, including different formats and genres of texts involved in video game localisation.

It develops students’ ability to analyse the audio, visual, textual, and plot components in films and video games from the linguistic, cultural, pragmatic and art-design perspectives. The module provides students with hands-on experience of translating, transcreating and subtitling by using subtitling/translation software and through assignments.

The module develops students' ability to work independently and cooperatively, including presentation of the subtitles they create. Students are expected to complete a subtitling or video game assignment as part of assessment.

Outline Of Syllabus

This module provides students with:
•       an introduction of concepts and professional practice of subtitling, dubbing, and video game localisation;
•       practical experience of translating subtitles from English to Chinese (50%) and Chinese to English (50%) by using sample films and television programmes from a range of genres, including feature and documentary etc.;
•       practical experience of translating and transcreating texts involved in video game localisation;
•       opportunities to create subtitles by using free and commercial subtitling software;
•       guidance in developing knowledge of cross-cultural communication through analysing audiovisual materials; and
•       an awareness of pragmatics in cross-cultural communication.

Intended Knowledge Outcomes

Students should achieve the following learning outcomes:
•       knowledge of techniques and strategies for subtitle and video game translation
•       knowledge of concepts and professional practice of subtitling, dubbing, and transcreating for films and video games
•       knowledge and understanding of protocols and best practice of subtitle creation and localisation
•       knowledge and understanding of conditions and constraints in subtitling and video game localisation
•       awareness of the latest developments in professional practice of the audiovisual and video game localisation industries.

Intended Skill Outcomes

Over the course of the semester, students will develop various translation techniques and strategies for subtitle translation and video game localisation and also develop skills for analysing audio-visual-textual materials involved in subtitling and video games.

Students will acquire:
•       skills to subtitle and dub films, documentaries and TV programmes
•       skills to translate and transcreate different audio/visual/textual/plot elements involved in video game localisation
•       skills to complete subtitling tasks based on professional practice and norms
•       ability to translate subtitles and game-related texts in target language professionally
•       ability to conduct research in relation to subtitle translation and video game localisation
translation

Teaching Rationale And Relationship

The lecture materials provide guidance and input in relevant professional techniques and theory. The workshops provide opportunities for students to practice hands-on skills in subtitling and video game translation by using subtitling and translation software. Guided independent study allows students to reflect on their own translation work and work with their peers in groups.

This module adopts a blended mode of teaching, including both present-in-person and online synchronous hours. As subtitle and video game translation is mainly done though online specialised software today, the online synchronous hours are devoted to develop essential skills for students to work online professionally.

Assessment Rationale And Relationship

The summative assessment has two components: an assignment and a commentary, each carries 50% of the final mark.

The subtitling/video game translation assignment assesses students’ ability to complete subtitling/video game translation professionally. The commentary component assesses students’ knowledge and understanding of concepts, professional protocols, and constraints in subtitle translation or video game localisation and also their awareness and understanding of relevant theory in subtitle and video game translation.

The resit method is the same as the summative assessment, including the length of commentary (1,750 words) and practical translation work (6-7 minutes of video clip for subtitling projects or 1,200-1,600 words of video game translation).

General Notes

N/A