How best to learn the art of subtitling
Subtitling cannot be learned in the same way that you memorize the words of a foreign language. You have to actually do it.
The various different subtitling rules and regulations are usually conflicting, so the best subtitle is usually the best compromise.
A certain number of basic rules and regulations should be learned when starting out. These may vary for different countries. As the basic principles of subtitling are embedded in these rules, you start understanding the art of subtitling by learning them. Your first automatisms are derived from these basic rules.
Review the material continuously in the initial period, learn just the basic rules and try to avoid learning the other rules, try instead just to understand them. Learning is best done by practicing.
'Doing it right'
Avoid doing things incorrectly and thus picking up incorrect subtitling habits. They're so hard to get rid of! Our courses are designed to encourage you to rehearse the rules each time before you start practicing . The rules will stick in your mind because of the concise phrasing, the words in bold face, the lists and tables and, last but not least, the practical examples in the course.
As too many examples would be distracting and confusing, the number of examples in the course is limited. You will invent your own solutions to problems. The examples in the course serve as illustrations and reminders, and as a reference guide for your ongoing education.
You will find that the collection of pitfalls and bloopers found on this site can be very useful after the initial three month period. They will help you avoid committing the most common errors and improve your translating and subtitling instincts. Dutch subtitlers often use the term 'when the bell rings' in this respect, as an indication that something in a subtitle-to-be is wrong. On closer inspection your instincts usually turn out to have been right and some mistake is found.
Uncertainties
The first uncertainties occur right at the start when you are faced with the daunting task of having to apply many contradicting rules. You tend to hold on to the source language, but by doing so risk producing anglicisms.
In the beginning, you will be preoccupied with your subtitling skills. Primarily with the timing, the in-cues, converting frames into seconds and vice versa. Then, when you start to acquire the skills, your use of the target language will probably be criticized by an editor or mentor. The road from distorted translations that almost all novice subtitlers produce, to rhythmical, easy-to-read, clear and concise subtitles can be a long and hard one.
At a certain point while learning the art of subtitling you will start to see and understand your mistakes. You have a grasp of the principles, but cannot apply them properly yet.. This can be a frustrating period, but it does help you realize where you stand in the course. You will want to keep this necessary and unavoidable 'in between period' as short as possible. Don't try to make it too short however. Keep going over the material.
Automatisms
When first skating on real ice, the cracks in it may drive you crazy. You have to stay sharp all the time, constantly react and consciously adjust your course. But pretty soon your brain takes over! The tension in your muscles disappears, your mind is off the cracks and your fear of falling disappears.
The same kind of auto pilot takes over when you acquire subtitling experience, only this process takes many hours of dedicated practice. Initially, I was surprised to see experienced colleagues producing a lot of subtitles at the end of the day, even though they were tiring. But after six months the same thing happened to me: Automatisms took over whenever possible.
This phenomenon is an extra incentive to avoid picking up bad subtitling habits! You'll pay for them dearly once you start working and relying on automatisms. As mentioned before: the basic rules should become your first automatisms.
Keep having fun...
Many subtitlers want to produce subtitles that are as clear as they can be. They like striving for perfection.
But there is more to it than just the trade. Learning is one of the more satisfying things in life, besides being fun! So keep on exploring. Extend your knowledge. Exchange questions and solutions with colleagues (the Discussion Group provides this possibility). It's nice when a colleague comes up with an unexpected solution for your subtitling problem. Or when a colleague is really happy with the unexpected solution you came up with.
© 2008 Subtitling Worldwide - NL
