General Target Language Translation Guidelines
Completion
All source terms need corresponding entries for every language listed in the KNP list. If a term is going to remain untranslated, e.g. keeping “true sight” in English and not translating it, the target language field should include the English term as confirmation that the entry remains untranslated for the given language.
The Rule of Firsts
Translations should be provided by the first translator working on a project, regardless of the asset type. Once a translation is added, it is then considered locked for that language. All subsequent translators are expected to follow that translation.
Changing Existing Translations
At times, translations which are already added to a KNP may need to be changed for reasons such as lip-sync, reading speed, spelling and grammar, etc. If a change is needed, please first notify your Netflix contact of the suggested change (via your normal escalation and request path). If approved, follow the steps for changing existing translations in the tool, making sure to include the reason code.
Reason codes:
- Spelling, grammar, punctuation
- Reading speed
- Lip sync
- Previously existing terminology
- Other
Including articles
Many languages require the inclusion of a definite or indefinite article with the target language translation to help communicate grammatical gender, case and/or plurality. This is important context for translators, helping to ensure correct and consistent translations downstream.
For example, the Castilian Spanish (es-ES) translation for the English term “Tarask” (Warrior Nun) should be “la tarasca”, not simply “tarasca”.
Multiple Translations
Usually, the rule of firsts applies here, meaning, if a term has already been added and translated in a certain way, others should use that translation to ensure consistency unless it cannot be used for a specific reason and an alternate translation for an asset type is needed.
Consistency across a single title, IP and franchise should be the priority in all cases. However, occasionally there is a need to support multiple translations for one source term, due to reading speed, creative intent, transliteration or other factors. Adding multiple translations needs prior approval from Netflix (via your normal escalation and request path). If approved, the alternate translation should be added to the translation note field and noted as an alternate translation in this format:
- Subtitles: ALTERNATE TRANSLATION SUBTITLE: [insert translation]
- Dubbing: ALTERNATE TRANSLATION DUBBING: [insert translation]