Subtitling for the deaf and hard of hearing in Arabic in 360 videos: a reception study

Audiovisual Translation (AVT) focuses on translating verbal elements in audiovisual media, such as films and videos, from one language to another. In recent years, the field has expanded to include nonverbal elements and translations within a single language, particularly for individuals with hearing or visual impairments. Subtitles for the Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing (SDH) are essential for making media more accessible. With the rise of immersive media like 360-degree videos, the subtitling process has become more complex, requiring new approaches to accommodate these interactive formats. This study aims to explore effective methods for Arabic SDH subtitling in 360-degree content, particularly regarding character identification and adherence to the SDH guidelines set by Hamad Bin Khalifa University. Research on AVT in immersive media, including 360-degree videos and Virtual Reality (VR), highlights the need for accessible subtitling in these emerging formats. Previous studies, such as those by the BBC (2018) and Agulló and Matamala (2019), have examined different subtitling approaches, including "always visible" subtitles that move with head movements, and "fixed-position" subtitles that remain anchored to specific locations in the 360-degree space. User preferences for these methods vary, with some users favoring fixed-position subtitles, while others prefer subtitles that follow the viewer’s gaze. Guiding methods, like arrows or auto-positioning the viewer’s focus towards the speaker, have also been explored. Despite significant research on English and Spanish subtitles, there is limited research on Arabic subtitles for immersive formats, particularly for the deaf and hard-of-hearing community. This study seeks to fill this gap by focusing on Arabic SDH subtitling in 360-degree videos, particularly with respect to character identification and guiding techniques.

Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU)