In a post-lockdown era, I’d find any excuse to enjoy a day out, let alone a day spent with fellow translators. Thus, the Northwest Translators’ Network’s subtitling workshop which I attended – with immense pleasure – on 18 June 2022, came in handy and was indeed very useful.
It was such a nice opportunity to meet new colleagues. The workshop methodology was a good balance between theory and practice and it was well thought-out to allow ample time for trainees to practice subtitling skills after theoretical explanations. It was also wise to send the link to the subtitling software download before the workshop, which saved lots of time, although the Oppidan Social’s fast internet would have easily allowed for a very fast download of the subtitling tool.
The workshop methodology was well-structured : theoretical explanations (supported by pre-prepared hand-outs) and hands-on subtitling of a video provided by the trainers. It was useful to have two trainers, with one going around the tables checking on progress, while the other stood ready for questions. NWTN, you rock!
To fellow translators: if a non-technical mind like mine can do it, then you can definitely do it! I hope there will be another workshop (at least to make sure my newly-acquired skills do not suffer whilst I do NOT receive any subtitling requests) or perhaps an advanced level to delve into further software functionality.
Many, many thanks to the trainers, Rachael Barton and Katell Sevellec who spared no effort in explaining techy aspects (not my forte, I must say) in a simplified way and a big thank you to the Oppidan Social’s very friendly and helpful staff.
Written by Farouk Tazerouti
Translator and interpreter from Arabic and French to English
