For translated audio narrations in Flash, you can either use a single audio file for the entire project, or create separate separate audio files for each paragraph (or screenful of text). The first method is common for English-only presentations. For example, in Flash, the interactive author lines up graphic events against the audio waveform seen in the sound “layer.”
However, for multilingual versions, this has some disadvantages. Most translations end up having larger word counts than the English original. This usually means that, to maintain the same natural pace, each segment of the translated version may require a few extra seconds. Otherwise, if the translated narration is forced to conform to your original English durations—especially if these have been edited very tightly in the first place!—translated narrations will sound rushed.
For example, if your original 5-minute narration comes back as a single 6-minute file in the Portuguese translation, you may need to adjust the locations of all onscreen events (text, graphics and transitions between screens) in the Flash project in order to accommodate the new timings in the translated version. While time-consuming, this may be relatively easy in languages that use the Latin alphabet, because you can refer to the printed script. However, it is still indispensable to have your final version proofed by a professional linguist before releasing it to the public! On the other hand, in an Arabic, Chinese, Khmer, Dzongkha or Hindi script, it might not be so easy to know where you are in the content.
The second method—creating separate audio files for each segment of narration—is more foolproof and often can save time. Your audio editor sequentially numbers the translated audio files to match the segments in your original script. After lining these audio segments up in an audio track of Flash, it is very easy to relocate the graphics (and lines of onscreen text) to match the new audio durations in the translated version.
ASIST Translation Services, Inc. is a full-service translation agency located in Columbus, Ohio. We provide translation, interpreting, proofreading, voice recording and media production, localization of interactive and Web content, and specialized language services to clients around the world.
