Language Services Glossary

Back Translation - Translating a text back to its original language to verify the accuracy of the initial translation.

Burned-In Subtitles - Subtitles that are permanently embedded in the video and cannot be turned off.

Caption Editor - Software or tools used to create, edit, and synchronize captions or subtitles with video content.

Captioning - The process of displaying text on a screen to provide a written version of spoken dialogue, sound effects, or other audio elements in a video.

CAT Tool (Computer-Assisted Translation Tool) - Software designed to assist translators by providing features like translation memory, terminology databases, and workflow management.

CC (Closed Captioning) Symbol - Universally recognized symbol indicating the availability of closed captions on a video.

Certified Translation - Translation accompanied by a statement or certificate affirming its accuracy, often required for official documents.

Closed Captions - Text that can be turned on or off by the viewer, providing a transcription of spoken content and additional information such as sound effects.

Consecutive Interpretation - Mode of interpretation where the speaker pauses to allow the interpreter to convey the message in the target language.

Cultural Competence - Ability to understand, appreciate, and effectively interact with individuals from diverse cultures, ensuring accurate and culturally sensitive communication.

Descriptive Video Service (DVS) - Additional audio narration that describes visual elements for individuals with visual impairments, often used in conjunction with captions.

Dialect - Regional or social variety of a language characterized by specific vocabulary, grammar, and pronunciation differences.

Dubbing - Replacing the original voice in a film or video with a translated version, synchronized with the lip movements of the actors.

Foreign Language Subtitles - Subtitles that translate dialogue from a language other than the main language of the video.

Interpretation - Process of orally conveying a message from one language to another, preserving the meaning and intent of the source language.

Language Services - Range of services used to facilitate communication and promote understanding amongst speakers of different languages, including interpretation and translation.

LEP (Limited English Proficiency) - Individuals who have difficulty with the English language.

Liaison Interpretation - Interpretation in which the interpreter facilitates communication between two individuals or small groups who speak different languages.

Linguistics - Scientific study of language and its structure.

Localization - Adapting a product, service, or content to suit the linguistic, cultural, and functional preferences of a specific target audience or market.

LSP (Language Service Provider) - Company or organization that offers language services.

MT (Machine Translation) - Use of software to translate text without human intervention.

Open Captions - Text that is permanently visible on the screen, not allowing viewers to turn it off. Open captions are embedded in the video.

Real-Time Captioning - Live captioning provided simultaneously with the spoken content, often used in live broadcasts, events, or meetings.

SDH (Subtitles for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing) - Subtitles that include not only spoken dialogue but also additional information about music, sound effects, and other audio elements for accessibility.

Simultaneous Interpretation - Real-time interpretation that occurs concurrently with the speaker's delivery, often used in conferences or large events.

Source Language - The original input language of a text or speech that requires translation or interpretation.

SRT (SubRip Subtitle) - File format for subtitles that includes timing information, allowing the text to sync with video playback.

Subtitling - Practice of adding translated or descriptive text to a video to convey the spoken dialogue or narration in a different language.

Target Language - The output language into which a text or speech is translated or interpreted.

Text-to-Speech (TTS) - Technology that converts written text into spoken words, sometimes used in conjunction with captions for accessibility.

TMS (Translation Management System) - Software for managing translation projects.

Transcription - Process of converting spoken language into written text, often used in the creation of captions or subtitles.

Translation - Process of converting text from one language into another while maintaining its meaning.

Voiceover - Recording a voice to replace or accompany the original audio.

WebVTT (Web Video Text Tracks) - File format for captioning and subtitling on the web, used to sync text with online videos.

Whispered Interpretation - Simultaneous interpretation where the interpreter whispers the translated message to the listener without the use of additional equipment.