TABLE OF CONTENTS
- I. Before Commencement
- II. Subtitling
- III. Subtitling Guidelines
- IV. Editing
- V. Subtitle Abusers
I. BEFORE COMMENCEMENT
JOINING THE TEAM
Please make sure you are accepted on the team before you start adding subtitles to the videos. The Contributor's Wall often lists the team members to contact. If you are translating into English, you would usually contact the English Moderator. If you are translating into other languages, please contact the relevant language moderator. If there is no moderator listed for that language, then please contact the Channel Manager.
You should not start subbing until you receive a reply from the Channel Manager or relevant moderator.
READING THE TEAM NOTES
While you are waiting for a reply from the Channel Manager or relevant moderator, read through the notes found in the Team Notes tab in the subtitle editor. You will most likely find useful information on character names, song lyrics and any rules or guidelines for the Channel. You should familiarise yourself with the different rules of different channels.
WAITING FOR THE ‘GO’ FROM THE CHANNEL MANAGER OR MODERATOR
You should always wait for the PM from the Channel Manager or moderator telling you which episode you may commence subbing before you add any subtitles to the videos. Prior to this PM, the segmenters may still be working on creating segments, or, in the case of other languages, the English subtitles may still be in the process of creation or editing. Please take a look at the diagram here to review the process of creating subtitles for a video. You can also visit the Contributor's Wall for any announcements regarding whether a video is released for subbing in your language.
CHOOSING THE RIGHT PART TO SUBTITLE
For certain languages, you can check the Team Discussion to find who is working on which part. Please choose a part that no one is currently subtitling. If two users are subtitling the same part at the same time, an issue of writing over each other’s subtitles may occur. To avoid this, subbers should choose a part where no one is working and leave a message in the Team Discussion to notify others.
In addition to checking the Team Discussion, you can also verify whether anyone is working on a part by opening the Activities tab of the subtitle editor. The Activities tab lists any recently created segments or subtitles.
COMMENTING IN THE TEAM DISCUSSION
Each Channel may handle commenting in the Team Discussion differently, so please take a look at what the Channel does in its own Team Discussion before you start.
Subbers are generally required to log which part of the episode they are subtitling and when they leave that part.
Sometimes, you will be asked to add a percentage as well so that others can easily find out how much of the part you have subtitled.
Please make sure you are accepted on the team before you start adding subtitles to the videos. The Contributor's Wall often lists the team members to contact. If you are translating into English, you would usually contact the English Moderator. If you are translating into other languages, please contact the relevant language moderator. If there is no moderator listed for that language, then please contact the Channel Manager.
You should not start subbing until you receive a reply from the Channel Manager or relevant moderator.
READING THE TEAM NOTES
While you are waiting for a reply from the Channel Manager or relevant moderator, read through the notes found in the Team Notes tab in the subtitle editor. You will most likely find useful information on character names, song lyrics and any rules or guidelines for the Channel. You should familiarise yourself with the different rules of different channels.
WAITING FOR THE ‘GO’ FROM THE CHANNEL MANAGER OR MODERATOR
You should always wait for the PM from the Channel Manager or moderator telling you which episode you may commence subbing before you add any subtitles to the videos. Prior to this PM, the segmenters may still be working on creating segments, or, in the case of other languages, the English subtitles may still be in the process of creation or editing. Please take a look at the diagram here to review the process of creating subtitles for a video. You can also visit the Contributor's Wall for any announcements regarding whether a video is released for subbing in your language.
CHOOSING THE RIGHT PART TO SUBTITLE
For certain languages, you can check the Team Discussion to find who is working on which part. Please choose a part that no one is currently subtitling. If two users are subtitling the same part at the same time, an issue of writing over each other’s subtitles may occur. To avoid this, subbers should choose a part where no one is working and leave a message in the Team Discussion to notify others.
In addition to checking the Team Discussion, you can also verify whether anyone is working on a part by opening the Activities tab of the subtitle editor. The Activities tab lists any recently created segments or subtitles.
COMMENTING IN THE TEAM DISCUSSION
Each Channel may handle commenting in the Team Discussion differently, so please take a look at what the Channel does in its own Team Discussion before you start.
Subbers are generally required to log which part of the episode they are subtitling and when they leave that part.
- e.g., “Starting to sub 2.4“ - This indicates the subber will be subbing in part 4 of episode 2
- e.g., "Finished with 2.4“ - This indicates the subber has finished their work on 2.4
Sometimes, you will be asked to add a percentage as well so that others can easily find out how much of the part you have subtitled.
- e.g., “Starting 2.4 at 40% “ - This indicates that the subber is starting off after another subber subbed until 40%
- e.g., “Leaving 2.4 at 90%” - This indicates that the subber has left that part at 90%. There is still 10% left to subtitle.
II. SUBTITLING
MAKE SURE YOUR SETTINGS ARE CORRECT FIRST
You must make sure that the "Translating To" and "Translating From" languages are correct before you start subtitling. You can click the down arrow to choose the language you want to translate from and translate to. If the wrong language selections are made, you may be writing the subtitles in another language selection, resulting in the wrong subtitles appearing in that language for other subbers, editors and viewers. You may also be reported as an abuser. Please click here to read more on abusers.
TRANSLATING
Please try to translate the sentences to the best of your ability, aiming to preserve the meaning of the sentence in the original language as much as you can.
Do not make direct translations into your language. Instead, try to regroup the words to form a well-punctuated sentence in the language into which you are subtitling.
YOU SHOULD NEVER USE GOOGLE TRANSLATOR TO TRANSLATE.
TRANSLATING HALF A SENTENCE
You should never leave a segment half-subbed. The system will count this as one full segment and accumulate towards the percentage. If you are unsure of how to translate the whole segment, then please leave it blank.
UNSURE OF HOW TO TRANSLATE A SENTENCE
When unsure of how to translate a sentence, please leave it blank so that other subbers can take a chance at creating a well-translated sentence. If you create a translation whilst guessing, other subbers may not have the chance to make a correct translation since subbers should not edit other’s work.
EDITING
Subbers of the team do not have direct permission to edit. If you would like to become an editor, please read the editing chapter for more information.
Subbers should not edit other’s work to prevent correct translations from being changed or damaged. Please leave this for the editors. A subber should only edit another subber’s work if the original subtitle is incomplete (only subs for half of the segment) or if the original subtitle is completely wrong. Please do NOT edit if it is a wording issue, punctuation issue or grammar issue. The editing team will take care of these issues.
- Wording issue: choice of words (for example, some people may use the word “mum” while others use “mom”)
- Punctuation issue: missing or misusing periods, question marks, exclamation points, commas, etc.
- Grammar issues: incorrect tense, subject-verb agreements, etc.
III. SUBTITLING GUIDELINES
Please follow these guidelines for font formatting, symbols, punctuation, and structure
FONT FORMATTING
SYMBOLS
PUNCTUATION
- ITALICS <i> italicised text here </i>
- Italics should be used for flashback scenes (in the beginning of an episode or any other flashbacks a character may have), on-screen text, lyrics, previews, thoughts (anything that comes from the mind including daydreams), recorded speech, and voiceovers/narration.
- Italics are not used for the speech of characters who are present in a scene but outside of the shot (e.g., when the camera pans between two people in a conversation).
SYMBOLS
- MUSIC SYMBOL ♫
- These should be added at the beginning and ending of the lyrics of a segment. You can add this by holding down the ALT key and typing 14 on your keypad.
- If a character is singing during the scene, do not put the lyrics in italics and only put ♫ before the lyrics (do not put it after). Example: if it is someone’s birthday and they sing the birthday song, the subtitle would be ♫ Happy birthday to you.
PUNCTUATION
- ( ) PARENTHESES (aka. Round Brackets)
- Parentheses may be used after the translated sentence to explain the meaning of the translation. For example, the translation may be a slang in the original language and the meaning of that slang may be explained after a break (<br>) so that the explanation appears beneath the translated sentence.
- Parentheses may be used after the translated sentence to explain the meaning of the translation. For example, the translation may be a slang in the original language and the meaning of that slang may be explained after a break (<br>) so that the explanation appears beneath the translated sentence.
- [ ] BRACKETS
- Brackets may be used if there are two things requiring italics. That is, if there is text during a flashback scene, text during a preview, etc. In this case, the text should be written with italics and within brackets : <i> [TEXT ON SCREEN HERE] </i>
- Brackets may be used if there are two things requiring italics. That is, if there is text during a flashback scene, text during a preview, etc. In this case, the text should be written with italics and within brackets : <i> [TEXT ON SCREEN HERE] </i>
- PERIOD / FULLSTOPS .
- These should be added where appropriate at the end of a sentence.
- These should be added where appropriate at the end of a sentence.
- QUESTION MARKS ?
- Question marks should be used at the end of a question where appropriate.
- Question marks should be used at the end of a question where appropriate.
- EXCLAMATION MARKS !
- Exclamation marks may be used to indicate excitement or a surprise. Please avoid adding too many exclamation marks as one is usually sufficient.
- Exclamation marks may be used to indicate excitement or a surprise. Please avoid adding too many exclamation marks as one is usually sufficient.
- COMMAS ,
- Commas should only be used where appropriate in a sentence. If a sentence continues into the second segment, a comma should not be added at the end of the first segment unless it is appropriate.
- Commas do not indicate pause. For example, when a character says “I” or “but” and then pauses for a couple of seconds, do not put a comma after those words. If the full sentence someone is trying to say is “I love you,” and he/she gives a long pause after the “I” and you put a comma after it, the complete sentence now becomes “I, love you,” which is incorrect.
- When a character is talking to another and addresses him/her by name, a comma should follow the name. For example, if Anna wants to ask Bob if he’s seen the movie, the subtitle would be “Bob, have you seen the movie?”
- QUOTATION MARKS (aka. Speech Marks) “ ” or ‘ ’
- Quotation marks should be used when quoting. For example: He said, “Don’t do it.”
- They may also be used for sarcasm: Apparently they were ‘happy’.
- ELLIPSES …
- ... or . . . may be used to indicate a pause in the sentence or a sentence that is incomplete
- . . . is generally used for big, dramatic pauses
- ... can be used when someone is interrupted
- CAPITALS
- Capitals should be used at the beginning of every sentence, NOT the beginning of every segment.
- A capitalised sentence should only be used when the character is yelling. An exclamation mark should be used instead where they are only slightly shouting or to express distress or the tone of anger in their speech.
- USE PROPER ENGLISH
- Avoid using slang English or shortened forms of words. For example, avoid using ‘LOL’ , ‘ya’ or ‘wanna’.
- Avoid subbing any words that contain no meaning such as “Haha” or “Um…’
- If a question is asked with ‘right?’ at the end, the question should be formed like this: “We are going to this restaurant, right?“
- BREAK <br>
- A break may be added to separate lines or to add a note or explanation in round brackets ( ) below the translated sentence.
- A break may be added to separate lines or to add a note or explanation in round brackets ( ) below the translated sentence.
- TWO SPEAKERS IN ONE SEGMENT
- This should be displayed like this:
- Speaker A
- Speaker B - The code for writing this is:
- Speaker A <br> - Speaker B
- This should be displayed like this:
IV. EDITING
BECOME AN APPROVED EDITOR IN THE TEAM
Subbers are not allowed to edit unless the subtitle is incomplete (only subs half of the segment) or completely wrong. Approved editors from the editing team are the ones who takes care of things such as wording, grammar or punctuation issues.
TRANSLATION EDITORS
Some teams have delegated translation editors. Translation editors are editors who are fluent in the video’s original language and English. Specifically, their task is to check whether the translations are correct.
General editors should be fluent in English and be very familiar with the grammar and punctuation conventions used in English.
MODERATOR’S ACCESS
In most teams, editors are given moderator access to lock and unlock subtitles. These editors should not tamper with any of the other moderator functions such as editing the cover page, adding segmenters (this includes adding yourself and others) or editing the video titles. Editors should only use the moderator privilege to lock and unlock subtitles when they are doing their edits.
LOCKING/UNLOCKING SUBTITLES
1. To lock/unlock, please click on the Manage Video button:
Subbers are not allowed to edit unless the subtitle is incomplete (only subs half of the segment) or completely wrong. Approved editors from the editing team are the ones who takes care of things such as wording, grammar or punctuation issues.
TRANSLATION EDITORS
Some teams have delegated translation editors. Translation editors are editors who are fluent in the video’s original language and English. Specifically, their task is to check whether the translations are correct.
- PRESERVING THE MEANING OF THE SENTENCE
- Translation editors should try to preserve the meaning of the sentence as accurately as possible.
- Translation editors should try to preserve the meaning of the sentence as accurately as possible.
- PRESERVE THE TONE OF VOICE
- If sarcasm is used, please edit the translation to preserve this.
- If sarcasm is used, please edit the translation to preserve this.
- INCLUDE NOTES OR EXPLANATIONS WHERE NEEDED
- Translation editors should check translations of idioms and slangs closely and, when necessary, provide notes or explanations using the format taught in Chapter III.
- Translation editors should check translations of idioms and slangs closely and, when necessary, provide notes or explanations using the format taught in Chapter III.
General editors should be fluent in English and be very familiar with the grammar and punctuation conventions used in English.
- MAKE MINIMAL CHANGES
- To respect the contribution of the subbers, please avoid making any unnecessary changes. For example:
- Do not edit the subtitle only to add a break unless a break is necessary.
- If the original sentence is correct in terms of grammar and punctuation, then please do not change the sentence. Only make a change if the original subtitle has an awkward choice of wording.
- Do not edit the subtitle if … was not originally used to indicate a pause.
- To respect the contribution of the subbers, please avoid making any unnecessary changes. For example:
- BE AWARE OF THE GUIDELINES FOR SUBBING SO THAT YOU CAN MAKE APPROPRIATE CHANGES OR ADDITIONS
- Please be aware of where italics, music symbols, round brackets and square brackets should be used to be able to add these in when editing.
- These can be found in Chapter III.
- ASSUME THAT THE ORIGINAL SUBTITLE IS TRANSLATED AT ITS BEST AND PRESERVES MOST OF THE MEANING
- Please do not try to rearrange a grammatically correct sentence as it may change the meaning of the sentence. This is especially so for Chinese. A small change in the wording of a sentence could change the whole meaning of a subtitle. Therefore, please assume that the original subtitle is correct and make changes where needed only.
- Please do not try to rearrange a grammatically correct sentence as it may change the meaning of the sentence. This is especially so for Chinese. A small change in the wording of a sentence could change the whole meaning of a subtitle. Therefore, please assume that the original subtitle is correct and make changes where needed only.
- GRAMMAR AND PUNCTUATION EDITING
- General editors are assumed to have knowledge of correct English grammar and punctuation. This includes the correct phrasing of a sentence, correct tense and correct positioning of full stops/periods, commas, questions marks and speech marks.
- These will need to be included where needed and also follow the guidelines in Chapter III.
MODERATOR’S ACCESS
In most teams, editors are given moderator access to lock and unlock subtitles. These editors should not tamper with any of the other moderator functions such as editing the cover page, adding segmenters (this includes adding yourself and others) or editing the video titles. Editors should only use the moderator privilege to lock and unlock subtitles when they are doing their edits.
LOCKING/UNLOCKING SUBTITLES
1. To lock/unlock, please click on the Manage Video button:
2. You will then see something like this:
In the image above, the subtitles are locked. The subtitles will be locked when the editors enter so that other people cannot change or edit the subtitles while they are waiting for the editors to come and make the edits. Please click on the Unlock button to unlock the subtitles.
3. After you have finished editing, please lock the episode.
In the image above, the subtitles are unlocked as the editor was just doing the editing. Please now lock the editor to prevent abusers from changing the edited subtitles by clicking the Lock button.
POSTING IN TEAM DISCUSSION
Similar to the subbing protocol, editors should post a note in the Team Discussion to notify others that they are editing on a certain part. Other editors should not enter a part where another editor is editing.
When finished with editing a part, please leave a note in the Team Discussion indicating you have finished.
NOTIFYING THE CHANNEL MANAGER OR ENGLISH MODERATOR
If you are the sole translation editor, last translation editor (the editor who translates the last available part), or sole general editor, please inform the Channel Manager or English moderator that the episode has been completely edited. The Channel Manager or moderator will then know that the episode is ready to proceed with the next steps (final editing or releasing to other languages).
V. SUBTITLE ABUSERS
WHAT IS AN ABUSER?
An abuser is one who does not adhere to channel rules and violates the rules continuously.
This includes using profanity on the channel, beginning to subtitle before the segments are ready, subtitling in other languages before the English subtitles are edited and marked as completed, or overwriting subtitles into another language. Therefore, always wait for the GO from the CM or Moderator before you subtitle an episode. You may also refer to the announcement on the Contributor's Wall for information on whether an episode is open for your language.
Every channel handles an abuser differently. Usually you will receive one warning from the Channel Manager or the moderator. If the behaviour continues, you may be reported to Viki staff and Viki staff will handle the matter directly.
WHAT HAPPENS IF YOU ARE AN ABUSER?
If you are identified as an abuser, other Viki teams would be very hesitant to take you on as a teammate.
If you are reported to Viki as an abuser, you would lose Viki privileges such as having unrestricted access to many Viki videos. Further escalation may result in a ban from Viki.
An abuser is one who does not adhere to channel rules and violates the rules continuously.
This includes using profanity on the channel, beginning to subtitle before the segments are ready, subtitling in other languages before the English subtitles are edited and marked as completed, or overwriting subtitles into another language. Therefore, always wait for the GO from the CM or Moderator before you subtitle an episode. You may also refer to the announcement on the Contributor's Wall for information on whether an episode is open for your language.
Every channel handles an abuser differently. Usually you will receive one warning from the Channel Manager or the moderator. If the behaviour continues, you may be reported to Viki staff and Viki staff will handle the matter directly.
WHAT HAPPENS IF YOU ARE AN ABUSER?
If you are identified as an abuser, other Viki teams would be very hesitant to take you on as a teammate.
If you are reported to Viki as an abuser, you would lose Viki privileges such as having unrestricted access to many Viki videos. Further escalation may result in a ban from Viki.