Netflix is back at it (bad subs everywhere)
Netflix is booming in popularity, and is considered one of the main reasons that conventional TV is almost extinct. In an earlier blog we mentioned the quality of the translations that the platform offered for movies and shows in the Arabic language, you can read that entry here.
Lately, we noticed something worth discussing in regards to translations that arguably affects the experience more significantly than the quality of the subtitles. When you want to translate a script, you should watch the entire thing in its original language to understand the plot and the context, and to be able to convey concepts and sequences of events properly, and from what we can infer, that is most of the time not the case. The more shows and movies we watched, the more apparent the problem became.
Good subtitles are as important as any other part of a movie.
Knowing both English and Arabic negates this issue for the viewer, yet helps make it more obvious. But subtitles are aimed towards those that don’t know the original language, which is English in this case. And for a brand as big as Netflix, that also promises the user an exceptional service, that it not an issue that can be ignored, as it can ruin the experience of watching a movie or a show by causing misunderstandings and confusion.
Translate-as-you-go is never a good idea.
That is also not something that is unique to subs, as it sometimes happens with certain dubs, but it is more common in translation projects as dubbing is a more significant undertaking, and such mistakes don’t slip under the radar as easily. On top of that, it appears that this is not only for Arabic subtitles, but there are similar issues in regards to other languages.
There’s a rumor online saying that Netflix subtitles might be provided by production companies that make the show or movie in question, and that might be the reason why there’s a discrepancy in the quality of the translations from one movie to another.
A solution for that sort of problem, when it comes to large corporations such as Netflix, would be to find an arrangement with production companies to handle the translation indoors instead (if that proves to be the case), or outsource it to professional translation agencies, where Arabic content professionals can handle the job more properly.
Have you noticed this while watching something on Netflix or any other platform before? Do you think this can be ignored, especially for big brands?
Share your opinion with us.
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