A Journey Through Languages
April 30, 2026I can't remember the first time I watched a film by Studio Ghibli. Yet, I still know one thing about the movie whose scenes dashed across the screen...
I watched it in English.
Yes, those movies that are so distinctly Japanese - that are part of that genre of film where "sub" watchers gaze upon "dubs" with disdain - I watched a version in my language before I knew the work that went into producing the audio that made sense to me.
Fast forward ten odd years, and you'll find me. A Ghibli-obsessed teenager trying to learn Japanese by watching films from her past - in their original language. What are the intricacies behind this story, and how does video translation fit in?
What Is Video Translation?
It is what it sounds like: translating videos from their original language into any possible array of international languages.
According to 3Play Media, two common methods are subtitles and dubbing. And, though many use the word captions interchangeably with subtitles, they're actually different: captions are typically meant for hearing impaired viewing, while subtitles are specifically used for translations.
Dubbing, on the other hand, replaces original audio with a translated track of dialogue.
So why do we need video translation?
"[T]he global video localization services market is racing toward $6.5 billion by 2033, up from $3.5 billion today" (Travod, 2025).
Around the world, there are over 7,000 languages estimated to be in use (Ethnologue).
Looking at these two statistics, the story starts to become clear: video translation is a necessity in today's video-saturated media environment where viewers with any linguistic background can encounter content from across the globe.
With the number of languages spoken surpassing 7,000, there come many direct benefits of translating video:
- Accessibility: Trying to understand a foreign film without subtitles or dubbing is a daunting task. Translating videos allows a greater diversity of people to watch, understand, and appreciate content, promoting accessibility.
- Search optimization: Transcripts hold "indexable text data," exposing content to people who use search engines in other languages (3Play Media).
- Messaging: If a brand translates their video content, they "demonstrate... respect for different cultures and languages" (3Play Media).
How Are Videos Translated?
A great example of the video translation process comes from Voice Talent Online. Their process involves transcription, translation, subtitles, voice overs, and more, ensuring the quality of video translations that offer all the benefits I mentioned.
My Story
So, what do I think now about my journey through watching Ghibli films, knowing how my viewing experience has changed drastically over the years?
Firstly, I realize that often the type of content people consume comes down to preference. Now that I'm learning Japanese, I prefer to watch anime in its original language because it gives me natural examples of how the language is used (though, some of us realize anime Japenese has its own "quirks," perhaps). And yet, I'm still using subtitles. There are so many cases around the world where accessible content isn't an option because translations don't exist. Knowing this helps me truly consider how important video translation is.
Also, I have learned that video translation offers new interpretations of past content and cultural differences. For instance, there are now a lot of Ghibli films I have watched only in Japanese, and when I watch their dubs in English, I realize how interpreters and translators have added their own personalities and ideas into the film, and it offers a new and exciting watch.
Now, when I watch foreign films, I think so much more about the nuance behind the languages and translations used. Our understanding is always influenced by the words we use. I think, in addition to accessibility, video translation offers more opportunities to reflect on videos, movies, and other digital content.
Future Directions
As awareness grows regarding accessibility in digital media, how do we expect video translation to improve - and keep up with changing technology, communication, and society?
A few important directions to consider include AI dubbing and translation, American Sign Language interpretations, and the rapid growth of shorter and shorter video content. Consider the words of Hayao Miyazaki, the founder of Studio Ghibli, on AI art... "I strongly feel that this is an insult to life itself."
What do you think about the need for video translation around the world?
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