Kids absorb a lot of things, both good and bad, from their favourite TV shows, movies, and video games. These play a significant role in the development and education of a child. It is through these programs that a child is introduced to the various cultures and traditions of the world they live in. Moreover, they get to learn how to encounter issues in their daily lives, such as communication, bullying, respecting others’ opinions, etc.
Nowadays, various global online streaming platforms like Netflix and Amazon are investing a considerable amount in producing and distributing children’s content into the global markets. So, to make this content accessible to kids around the world, it is translated into the language of target regions. However, the translator must focus on the following factors while localizing the content for kids.
1. Culture, values, and customs of the target region
Each region has its own culture, customs, values, and beliefs. What is acceptable in one may be rejected in another. Moreover, parents might not wish their child to watch and learn something inappropriate in his/her country. So, during the post-production of kid’s content, the original storyline must be adapted according to the culture and values of the country in which the localized version will be distributed. This will not only make the content sound more natural to the local people, but children will also be able to understand and enjoy the message correctly.
If required, the translator can also tone down a few scenes in cartoons. However, this is quite a challenge as here he/she will have to decide what parts of the content should be modified without destroying the message conveyed in the original script.
2. The original meaning of the content
The translator must localize the kid’s content in such a way that it sounds natural and children feel fully connected with the characters of the show. Often, it can be adapting the text to the dialogue or changing the entire scenes where religious and cultural beliefs of a particular region are harmed. No matter what changes are made, the focus of the translation team should be to localize the work without losing its original appeal, while also making sure it is as accessible as possible.
For example, let’s talk about the French version of the song from the Cartoon Steven Universe – ‘Stronger Than You’. The original song shows a romantic relationship between the two characters of the same sex. Since the French translator was shocked by the message of the song and also had no idea about how to portray it, she decided to tone it down. This changed the whole meaning of the song, which was corrected again after continuous complaints from the furious fans.
3. Censorship and parental values
Every country or region has its own censorship rules and television ratings, especially when it comes to content created for kids under 12 years of age. These rules differ according to the cultural and religious beliefs of that particular region and must be taken into consideration by the post-production team while localizing the kid’s content. Further, the translator must be fully aware of parenting values in each of the target countries. For example, slang acceptable in one country may be considered overly violent in another.
In a nutshell, the final product should be true to its original version. It should be something the kids can relate to, so they fall in love with the colourful and perky characters of the story over and over again.
We are DUBnSUB – a leading post-production company based in Gurgaon, India with branch offices in Germany, France, the USA, and Myanmar offering services such as voice-over, subtitling, dubbing, etc.
Drop-in your requirements related to rhymes, cartoons, animated content at [email protected] or call us at +91 124 498 2484.