Collaboration Between Subtitling Academics and Practitioners: A Proposal for SubComm

Abstract

<p> <span>This article proposes the application of public translation studies put </span><span>forward by Koskinen (2010) to the field of audiovisual translation (AVT). </span><span>We argue that AVT scholars and practitioners would benefit from t</span><span>he </span><span>implementation of a long</span><span>-</span><span>term, reciprocal collaboration. This would </span><span>involve the formation of a community of academics and subtitlers, </span><span>creating a space for regular dialogic communication that would be </span><span>mutually beneficial. The article first explores the c</span><span>oncept of public </span><span>translation studies, examining how and why this framework might be </span><span>useful in AVT. We then present the findings of a scoping questionnaire, </span><span>in which subtitlers working in the UK and Ireland were surveyed about </span><span>their interest in collaboratin</span><span>g with academics. Respondents indicated </span><span>an interest in opportunities for professional development, community</span><span>-</span><span>building and collaboration. In addition, based on the results we </span><span>highlight a number of areas around which these activities could be </span><span>centred, includ</span><span>ing, for example, opportunities for subtitlers to enhance </span><span>their practical skill set, to improve their career opportunities and the </span><span>collective standing of the profession, to discuss translation dilemmas </span><span>and to inform academia. We end by proposing some concr</span><span>ete next </span><span>steps for the development of a subtitling community, and the possible </span><span>role of academics and subtitlers within such an initiative.</span> <br></p>