https://www.proz.com/forum/subtitling/343975-views_consensus_on_puncutation_in_subtitles.html
This site uses cookies. Some of these cookies are essential to the operation of the site, while others help to improve your experience by providing insights into how the site is being used. For more information, please see the ProZ.com privacy policy.
Cookie settings

Translation - art & business » Subtitling »
Views/consensus on puncutation in subtitles?
Thread poster: Ruby Phelps
Ruby Phelps
Ruby Phelps  Identity Verified
China
Local time: 03:03
Chinese to English
May 24, 2020

Hi all,

I'm new to subtitling and I apologise if this question has come up on these forums before! I understand there is some difference of views regarding whether or not you should include some kinds of punctuation in subtitles, and that these conventions vary by language/region. I'm thinking mainly about things like full stops/periods and commas at the ends of lines, rather than question marks or exclamation marks.

I translate from Chinese to English, and in Chinese... See more
Hi all,

I'm new to subtitling and I apologise if this question has come up on these forums before! I understand there is some difference of views regarding whether or not you should include some kinds of punctuation in subtitles, and that these conventions vary by language/region. I'm thinking mainly about things like full stops/periods and commas at the ends of lines, rather than question marks or exclamation marks.

I translate from Chinese to English, and in Chinese it is standard to leave out lots of the punctuation, including most full stops, commas and so on.

Any views on the conventions in English?

If the client has no strong preference, or is unsure, do you think it is better to add the appropriate punctuation back in, or leave it out? ▲ Collapse
 
Sarper Aman
Sarper Aman  Identity Verified
Türkiye
Local time: 22:03
Member (2019)
English to Turkish
+ ...
Guidelines May 24, 2020

Hello Ruby,

The answer is in your target language guideline which your vendor provides. I've didnt hear "leaving full stops out" in any English language guideline when a sentence requires a full stop but there are some instructions about commas, question marks and exclamation marks. As far as I experience, usually there are no strict rules using commas at the end of a line, if subtitle (dialogue) continues in the second line or in the next subtitle. But consistency matters. Commas, ... See more
Hello Ruby,

The answer is in your target language guideline which your vendor provides. I've didnt hear "leaving full stops out" in any English language guideline when a sentence requires a full stop but there are some instructions about commas, question marks and exclamation marks. As far as I experience, usually there are no strict rules using commas at the end of a line, if subtitle (dialogue) continues in the second line or in the next subtitle. But consistency matters. Commas, question marks, exclamation marks are treated different in songs. If your vendor didn't/doesn't provide you any guideline, you can refer to these two Netflix guidelines.

https://partnerhelp.netflixstudios.com/hc/en-us/articles/217350977-English-Timed-Text-Style-Guide

https://partnerhelp.netflixstudios.com/hc/en-us/articles/219375728-English-Template-Timed-Text-Style-Guide ▲ Collapse


Aline Amorim
 
Ruby Phelps
Ruby Phelps  Identity Verified
China
Local time: 03:03
Chinese to English
TOPIC STARTER
guidlines May 25, 2020

Sarper Aman wrote:

Hello Ruby,

The answer is in your target language guideline which your vendor provides. I've didnt hear "leaving full stops out" in any English language guideline when a sentence requires a full stop but there are some instructions about commas, question marks and exclamation marks. As far as I experience, usually there are no strict rules using commas at the end of a line, if subtitle (dialogue) continues in the second line or in the next subtitle. But consistency matters. Commas, question marks, exclamation marks are treated different in songs. If your vendor didn't/doesn't provide you any guideline, you can refer to these two Netflix guidelines.

https://partnerhelp.netflixstudios.com/hc/en-us/articles/217350977-English-Timed-Text-Style-Guide

https://partnerhelp.netflixstudios.com/hc/en-us/articles/219375728-English-Template-Timed-Text-Style-Guide



Hello Sarper,

Thanks a lot, these guides are just the kind of thing I need! My client didn't provide any guidlines whatsoever - I usually do regular document translations for them, and now just suddenly they also require some video.

Cheers
 


To report site rules violations or get help, contact a site moderator:

Moderator(s) of this forum
Maya Gorgoshidze[Call to this topic]
Özgür Salman[Call to this topic]
Andriy Bublikov[Call to this topic]

You can also contact site staff by submitting a support request »

Views/consensus on puncutation in subtitles?


Translation news
» Why Large Language Models are the future of manufacturing
(0 comments)
» Language AI Pioneer DeepL Targets APAC Businesses With Pro Translation Options
(0 comments)
» Climate Cardinals Plans To Double Its Science Translation Efforts With New Google Backing
(0 comments)


Forum rules
Help and orientation




Protemos translation business management system
Create your account in minutes, and start working! 3-month trial for agencies, and free for freelancers!

The system lets you keep client/vendor database, with contacts and rates, manage projects and assign jobs to vendors, issue invoices, track payments, store and manage project files, generate business reports on turnover profit per client/manager etc.

More info »
Trados Studio 2022 Freelance
The leading translation software used by over 270,000 translators.

Designed with your feedback in mind, Trados Studio 2022 delivers an unrivalled, powerful desktop and cloud solution, empowering you to work in the most efficient and cost-effective way.

More info »