Transletters. International Journal of Translation and Interpreting 7(2) (2023), pp. 113-117 ISSN 2605-2954

1st International Conference on Didactic Audiovisual

Translation and Media Accessibility

TRADIT23

Mariona Sabaté Carrové

University of Lleida

Received: 15/05/2023

Accepted: 18/07/2023

Abstract

The inaugural TRADIT23 conference, organized by the TRADIT (i.e., Traducción

Audiovisual Didáctica, in English Didactic Audiovisual Translation) research group

and members of the TRADILEX project (i.e. TRADucción audiovisual como recurso

DIdáctico en el aprendizaje de Lenguas EXtranjeras), took place on March 23rd and

24th, 2023. Pre-conference workshops were also held on March 22nd. This ground-

breaking international event focused on the practical applications of revoicing and

subtitling in L2 (i.e. second language) education settings. With a diverse range of

topics explored, including language awareness through DAT (i.e., Didactic

Audiovisual Translation), didactic media accessibility, videogames in DAT,

multimodality and intermediality, accessibility in performing arts and museums, DAT

for specific purposes, didactic revoicing, and gender and ethnicity in DAT, the

conference attracted 150 participants, including organizers, speakers, both online and

onsite attendees, and collaborators, all actively contributing to the discussions.

Key Words

TRADIT; TRADILEX project; didactic audiovisual translation; media accessibility;

language education

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Introduction

Distinguished guests, including Dr. Ana Lisbona Bañuelos, Vice-Chancellor of

Students and Inclusion, Dr. Beatriz Pérez Cabello de Alba, Vice-Dean of

Transference and Research and VICD, 1st Vice Dean Philology Faculty, Dr.

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Mª Dolores Castrillo de Larreta-Azelain, Director of the Department of

Foreign Philologies and Linguistics, Dr. Noa Talaván, President of TRADIT23

and Principal researcher of the TRADILEX (i.e. TRADucción audiovisual

como recurso DIdáctico en el aprendizaje de Lenguas EXtranjeras) project,

along with Dr. Jennifer Lertola, Vice-President of TRADIT23, were present at

the opening ceremony of the two-day event, thereby formally inaugurating the

proceedings. The program consisted of intellectually stimulating parallel

sessions and thought-provoking plenary conferences, and the subsequent

summary provides a concise overview of these engaging scholarly activities.

Section 1

The inaugural plenary session took place on Thursday, 23rd March, featuring

Agnieszka Szarkowska from Uniwersytet Warszawski, Poland. The session

delved into the realm of experimental research in didactic AVT (i.e. audiovisual

translation). Professor Szarkowska shed light on the advantages that

experimental research brings to the field of didactic AVT, as well as the

accompanying opportunities and challenges. In her comprehensive

presentation, she explored various facets of the field's development, including

methodologies, the necessity of training, the robustness of current research

findings, and their practical applicability. Additionally, she proposed future

research avenues and sought to contextualize DAT (i.e., didactic audiovisual

translation) within related disciplines, such as second language acquisition and

audiovisual translation.

Also on Thursday, 23rd March, Dr. Frederic Chaume-Varela from Universitat

Jaume I, Spain, delivered the second plenary session under the title "How

streaming platforms and cloud technologies can revolutionize language

learning: A focus on dubbing." The session explored the transformative

potential of streaming platforms and cloud technologies in the realm of

language education, with a particular emphasis on the practice of dubbing. Dr.

Chaume-Varela emphasized that dubbing possesses the ability to captivate

language learners and facilitate second language acquisition, attributing this

effectiveness to two key factors. Firstly, the integration of foreign/second

language audiovisual content into our daily lives and leisure activities has

reshaped language learning from a mere obligation to an enjoyable form of

entertainment. Secondly, dubbing offers learners the opportunity to acquire

language skills while simultaneously developing proficiency in a new

profession. Dr. Chaume-Varela presented an array of materials and translation

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strategies utilized in the translation and adaptation process for dubbing,

highlighting their invaluable role as resources for L2 acquisition.

On Friday, 24th March, Dr. Anna Marzá from Universitat Jaume I, Spain,

delivered the third plenary conference titled "Expanding the Frontiers of AVT

and Language Teaching and Learning: Insights from the PLURITAV (i.e.,

Audiovisual Translation as a Tool for the Development of Multilingual

Competences in the Classroom) Experience." The presentation revolved

around the comprehensive overview of the PLURITAV project, aimed at

examining the impact of active AVT on students' plurilingual competence. Dr.

Marzá emphasized the importance of incorporating Didactic Sequences and

introducing a specialized assessment tool tailored for evaluating plurilingual

competence. The second part of the presentation delved into a thorough

exploration of the intricate relationship between AVT and language teaching

and learning. The stimulating presentation sparked engaging discussions

among the attentive audience.

During the final plenary session, Dr. Jorge Díaz-Cintas from the University

College London, UK, presented a conference entitled "The Power of

Audiovisual Translation: Transforming Language Learning." Dr. Díaz-Cintas

emphasized the historical and contemporary significance of interlingual

translation in foreign language classrooms, highlighting its well-deserved

recognition in educational settings. He also underscored the exciting

advancements in the field of DAT, such as subtitling, dubbing, and

audiodescription, which have enhanced the foreign language learning

experience. However, Dr. Díaz-Cintas expressed regret over the limited

integration of these new technologies and the practice of audiovisual

translation in foreign language classrooms.

The Round table event on Friday, 24th March, titled "Perspectives from the

TRADILEX Project: From Macrostructure to Microstructure," showcased a

panel comprising Dr. Noa Talaván, Dr. Pilar Couto-Cantero, Dr. Mariona

Sabaté-Carrové, Dr. Carolina Gonzalo, and Dr. Anca Frumuselu. During this

session, the experts shared their diverse experiences with the TRADILEX

Project over the past three years. They delved into the methodological design

and piloting encounters of the project across multiple higher education centers

in Spain. Furthermore, valuable insights were provided regarding the analysis

of integrating DAT experiences within the CLIL (i.e., Content and Language

Integrated Learning) context. The panel also embarked on exploring potential

future research directions, encompassing the implications of TRADILEX in

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translation training and its applicability to different proficiency levels (A1, A2,

C1, and C2).

The significant number of parallel sessions offered during this Conference

serves as an indication of its notable success, captivating nature, and active

engagement. These sessions were conducted across four distinct rooms,

ensuring optimal timing and strict adherence to the predetermined schedule.

Attendees had the privilege to actively interact with the speakers during

designated coffee and lunch breaks, contributing to a congenial and relaxed

atmosphere. While most speakers attended the conference in person, a

minority of them delivered their presentations remotely. In both cases, all these

participatory modes were executed flawlessly.

Figure 1. Poster picture of TRADIT23

Conclusions

The conference's remarkable success and the significant contributions made by

the participants suggest a strong likelihood of a future second edition. The

insights and research presented during this event provide a solid foundation

for further exploration and advancement in the field of didactic AVT. The

collaboration between experts, researchers, and educators showcased at the

conference paves the way for continued interdisciplinary dialogue and the

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development of innovative approaches to language teaching and learning

through AVT.