The CEFR CV revisited: Aligning didactic audiovisual translation to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages

Abstract

This paper explores how the Action-oriented Approach (AoA) sits within the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages and its recently released version of the Companion Volume (COE 2020). It discusses updates carried out to the Framework, which includes mediation acquiring a pivotal role, the creation of new categories and illustrative descriptors, including those for sign language, as well as the emphasis given to plurilingual and pluricultural competences among other aspects that have recently been revised, but giving particular attention to the impact of mediation in language learning. This paper also investigates the differences between the AoA and previous communicative trends by looking at the type of syllabus used for each methodological approach. Didactic audiovisual translation (DAT), that is the application of audiovisual translation (AVT) practice to the language learning setting, is perceived as a mediation strategy for learners. With the incorporation of sign languages to the last version of the CEFR/CV, and the subsequent emphasis on accessibility features, this paper promotes the idea that all DAT modes can be included within the Framework, but in particular didactic audio description (DAD) and SDH (subtitling for the deaf and hard of hearing). Therefore, a new category to accommodate DAT modes to the CEFR/CV, and DAD’s corresponding illustrative descriptors have been developed.