ARCHIVE - ITIA CPD Events 2009-2011

Thursday, 20 June 2013, 6.30 - 9.30 pm, at the IWC, 19 Parnell Square, Dublin 1

Audio-Description in Close-Up

A workshop with Dr. Agnieszka Szarkowska, University of Warsaw

Recent years have witnessed a growth in interest in audiovisual translation and media accessibility. Following EU Directive 2007/65/EC, European broadcasters are obliged to provide their programmes with subtitling, sign language interpreting and audio description (AD). 

This 3-hour workshop will begin with an overview of audio description – the technique used to make audiovisual content accessible to people who are blind or visually impaired. AD is an audio account of the visual and aural content which is important for understanding audiovisual material. AD can include information in relation to actions, scene changes, on-screen text, descriptions of characters, their movements and body language, explanation of sound effects, etc. 

In the workshop we will discuss the fundamentals of AD, its target groups, AD standards in various countries, and objectivity vs. subjectivity in description. The workshop will use film clips to show the challenges faced by audio describers and the choices they have to make when working in this constrained medium. Among such challenges are content selection, film language, description of characters, emotions, settings, and actions. Participants will get hands-on experience in drafting an AD script using clips from feature films. The workshop is targeted at translators, academics, students and all who are interested in media accessibility. Participants will be provided with extra reading materials but are requested to bring their own laptops and earphones/headphones. 

Dr. Agnieszka Szarkowska, is assistant professor at the Institute of Applied Linguistics, University of Warsaw and founder and head of the Audiovisual Translation Lab (www.avt.ils.uw.edu.pl). Her research interests include audiovisual translation, especially subtitling for the deaf and hard of hearing and audio description. Her book Forms of Address in Polish-English Subtitling was published by Peter Lang earlier this year. She also works as a freelance subtitler and certified translator. 

ITIA members (and members of other FIT associations): €25; Student members: €15; Non-members: €35

For bookings, please contact the ITIA at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it  

Please note: The Edith Grossman masterclass on 29 May is now fully booked!

Wednesday 29 May, 2 – 5 pm, at the IWC, 19 Parnell Square, Dublin 1

Spanish-English Literary Translation Masterclass 

with Edith Grossman 

Edith Grossman will give a 3-hour masterclass in literary translation from Spanish to English. Cost: €60 for ITIA members / €35 for student members / €90 for non-members. Advance booking essential and a limited number of places available – book early to avoid disappointment!

To book a place, please contact the ITIA at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it