Mohammed Bin Rashid Library Explores Art Of Translation On World Translation Day

The Mohammed Bin Rashid Library hosted a panel discussion titled Audiovisual Translation: Between the Spirit of the Text, the Aesthetics of the Scene, and the Culture of the Word. The session brought together specialists in translation, drama, dubbing, and audio production to explore the creative and professional elements of the field and its role in building bridges of communication between cultures. The session was held in celebration of World Translation Day.

Moderated by Basma Naif Saymouaa, the session featured Yasmine Abo Fakher, a translator, designer, and cultural director specialising in dramatic arts, writing, and design for audiovisual translation; Ammar Mounif Mohammad, a dramaturg and drama therapist; and Adham Abo Alhosen, a radio director, actor, and specialist in dubbing, performance direction, and audio production.

The discussion highlighted the nature of audiovisual translation as a creative practice in which text, image, sound, and performance come together. It explored its main forms, from on-screen subtitling to dubbing and voice-over, as well as accessibility solutions. The speakers discussed the challenges of adapting works into new languages and cultures while preserving the spirit of the story, the characteristics of its characters, and the rhythm of each scene.

Participants outlined various stages of the process, beginning with understanding, analysing, and adapting the text theatrically, followed by technical execution, dubbing, and performance. The process culminated with a quality review of the final product. They emphasised the importance of aligning the translated text with timing, lip movements, dialogue rhythm, and the emotions of the characters, as well as the role of music, sound effects, and silence in constructing meaning and conveying cultural and dramatic nuances.

The discussion also addressed the technological transformations taking place across the sector, particularly the growing presence of artificial intelligence (AI) throughout various stages of production. The speakers explored ways of leveraging AI to support the creative process while preserving the human role in guiding it and making key decisions. They also examined the impact of translation, as well as the importance of developing accessibility solutions that make content available to different segments of society, including People of Determination.

Furthermore, the discussions emphasised that the quality of audiovisual translation stems from the integration of linguistic, dramatic, performance, and technical expertise, combined with an understanding of the work’s cultural context and the specific characteristics of its audience. This enables viewers to experience the work while preserving its identity and artistic impact. The session concluded with an open dialogue with attendees, addressing the speakers’ experiences, their perspectives on the future of the field, and the opportunities created by its ongoing developments.

The event is part of the Mohammed Bin Rashid Library’s cultural and knowledge programs, which celebrate international occasions and create opportunities for specialists and community members to meet and share expertise. These initiatives further strengthen the Library’s role in promoting cultural dialogue and making knowledge accessible to diverse segments of society.