Translational Research Articles

Reviving functionalism: Applying translation-oriented text analysis to synthetic text (editing)

This paper investigates the potential application of translation-relevant text analysis. Rooted in the functionalist approach and Skopos theory, the translation-relevant text analysis is seen as instrumental in translation education for assessing the quality of synthetic text output for translation purposes (MT and/or AI) and improving (post-)editing performance relating to said output. Despite recent advancements in machine translation and the partially self-professed potential of AI models, accurately conveying the intended function of the target text remains a challenge in professional translation practices. This paper argues that salvaging functionalist theory can benefit both translator education and, ultimately, professional translation practices. To support this argument, three use cases are presented in which the key principles of functionalism and Skopos theory are applied to develop critical text analysis skills necessary for handling and editing synthetic text. Keywords: Functionalism, Translation Technology, Machine Translation, Generative Artificial Intelligence, Post-editing

Bring dying at home: What facilitates and hinders home-based end-of-life care for people living with dementia?-A systematic review and meta-ethnography protocol.

Although home-based end-of-life care is more in line with the preferences of people living with dementia, operationalizing this ideal remains challenging. Many people living with dementia are still unable to die at home or receive end-of-life care at home. This review aims to apply meta-ethnography to synthesize existing qualitative studies, to identify the facilitators and barriers of home-based end-of-life care for people living with dementia. This review will use the meta-ethnography method to systematically synthesize and analyze qualitative studies. The seven stages described by Noblit and Hare (1988) will serve as the framework for this review. The systematic literature search will comprehensively cover the following databases: PubMed, MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, PsycINFO, CINAHL, and Web of Science. Inclusion criteria are: (A) qualitative research design; (B) participants are people living with dementia, family caregivers, or healthcare providers; (C) discussion of barriers and facilitators affecting home end-of-life care for people living with dementia; (D) original peer-reviewed studies in English. The included studies will be quality assessed using the CASP quality assessment form. The entire research process will refer to the meta-ethnography reporting guidelines (eMERGe) and the PRISMA statement to ensure the scientific and systematic nature of the results. This review will synthesize and analyze the results of different qualitative studies, transforming different perspectives through an iterative process of comparison, translation, and synthesis to generate new insights, and will form a comprehensive and insightful interpretive framework. This will promote a more comprehensive and in-depth understanding of the facilitators and barriers to the implementation of home-based end-of-life care for people living with dementia. In addition, the results of this review will guide the development and improvement of home-based end-of-life care interventions for people living with dementia, and guide policymakers and practitioners to optimize relevant policies and services.

Subtitling English Legal Acronyms into Arabic: Human vs Machine

The development of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine translation (MT) technologies made the process of translation easier. The study examines the translation strategies used by Netflix, Google Translate (GT), ChatGPT (GPT), and Gemini (GEM) to render 30 English legal acronyms into Arabic. Adopting the taxonomy suggested by Al-Hamly and Farghal to translate reduced forms, the analysis showed that every translator (human, MT, and AI) uses different strategies to render the acronyms into Arabic. The findings showed that the majority of the English legal acronyms were unpacked and translated literally “Translation Alone Unpacking.” GPT employed this strategy the most at 50 %, followed by Netflix and GT at 26.6 % each and GEM at 13.3 %. The second most frequently used translation strategy is “Cultural Substitution” that was utilized by Netflix (40 %), followed by GPT (23.3 %), and GEM and GT at 16.6 % each. The analysis showed that GT has more cases of mistranslation than the other investigated systems. The study concludes that artificial intelligence tools have advanced significantly and are now almost as good as humans. Therefore, when translating legal acronyms, combining machine translation with human intervention will likely improve accuracy and cultural sensitivity while saving time, cost, and effort.

AUDIO-VISUAL TEXT AND FEATURES OF IDIOMATIC EXPRESSIONS TRANSLATION

Background. Defining strategies for translating stable expressions from English into Russian will help effectively use English idioms in the process of teaching/learning a foreign language. The research also focuses on the lack of consensus among researchers regarding the terminology of fixed expressions which leads to a wide variety of classifications of them. Purpose. The aim of the research is to reveal methods for translating fixed expressions correctly from English into Russian in audiovisual texts, taking into account their cultural component. Materials and methods. The research is based on the theoretical study and synthesis of scientific and methodological literature, related to the topic under study and general scientific methods, i.e., analysis and generalization are used. Results. The results of the survey reveal that translation strategies tested in translation classes were chosen in accordance with the object of translation, as well as particular reference to the type of fixed expression. Furthermore, it is worth noting that idioms of all three types of fixed expressions, i.e., collocations, idioms and phrasal verbs found in audiovisual texts, are basic units revealing cultural character and national identity. As a result of the analysis of the scientific material, it was suggested that the integration in the translation process of figurative expressions used in every form of the spoken discourse, especially in the audiovisual context, contributes to higher language proficiency results. Practical implications. The results of the study can be taken as the basis for performing various tasks, related to the recognition and classification of fixed expressions, will contribute to the expansion of the lexical stock, and their inclusion in speech will create conditions for the development of speaking skills in the process of teaching a foreign language and special disciplines in translation.

MUQOBILSIZ LEKSIKA: IBORALAR TARJIMASINING AYRIM MUAMMOLARI (A.QAHHOR HIKOYALARINING KOREYS TILIGA TARJIMASI MISOLIDA)

This article examines the problems that arise when translating idiomatic units from Uzbek into Korean and how to solve them. In the translation process, it is important to correctly express the meaning of the idioms and take into account emotional and cultural changes in the translation. It analyzes how idioms change in translation and how they are adapted for Korean culture in the translations of stories written by A. Qahhor.

Effect of Phosphate Starvation on Gene Expression in Komagataella phaffii Cells.

Phosphorus is a key nutrient for all organisms. The study of phosphate metabolism and its regulation is important for understanding the evolutionary processes of regulatory systems in eukaryotic cells. The methylotrophic yeast Komagataella phaffii is an efficient producer organism, and it is actively used in biotechnological production. The high practical importance of K. phaffii has stimulated active research to find new tools to work with this yeast and optimize its cultivation conditions. In this work, we observed the effect of phosphate starvation on gene expression in K. phaffii at the transcriptome level. Phosphate starvation had a significant effect on general cell metabolism. K. phaffii cells demonstrated a response to this macronutrient deficiency through an altered gene expression of carbon and amino acid metabolism. We observed the activation of phosphate and polyphosphate metabolism gene expression. In this case, there was a suppression of ribosome biogenesis genes and genes involved in fatty acid beta-oxidation and translation processes.

The Mechanisms of Literary Translation in the Translation of “امشب اشكی میریزد” from Persian to Kurdish according to the Theories of (Vinay) and (Darbelnet)

Literary translation is a sophisticated and tactful process that exceeds the mechanism of what to say to how to say it from linguistic, cultural and educational perspectives and accommodating these in the target language. This relates to the fact that the literary text is itself the product of interrelated socio-political, economical and religious aspects. Additionally, the literary text is a reflection of the cultural concerns of a society that it represents as well as the emotional and ideological anxieties of the individuals that are also partly the anxieties of the writers. This means that such characteristics give literary text individual and unique qualities which in turn require individual and unique processes of translation especially in the way in which each text is read, evaluated and received. In this concern, the theory and mechanism of translation play an active and significant role. Based on this, the translation of the Persian novel “امشب اشكی میریزد” written by Koros Babayi into Kurdish “ئەڤ شەڤە ڕوندكەك دێ ڕژیت”, Tonight a Tear will be Dropped, by Nishtiman M. Saleem in 2011, has been selected to analyzed in relation to the translation mechanisms of the two French theorists Jean Darbelnet (1904-1990) and Jean-Paul Vinay (1910-1999). In his translation of the aforementioned text, the translator has adopted direct translation, or word-for-word translation. Employing this mechanism has assisted the translator in transforming the novel into the target language adding his unique style. However, the translator’s lack of experience in the implementation of the (translation by omission) in which the translator, unable to find equivalents from target language for certain parts of a text in source language, makes omissions in the text. This has caused a number of negative impacts on the text. These have been explained with examples.

Translation and Cultural Adaptation of an E-Health Program to Promote Positive Mental Health Among Family Caregivers in Portugal.

Introduction: Caring for a dependent individual, particularly over an extended period, places significant strain on family caregivers, often leading to adverse physical, mental, emotional, social, and economic outcomes for both caregivers and those they care for. Common challenges include anxiety, depression, loneliness, and diminished overall well-being. E-health applications have emerged as effective tools to support family caregivers by promoting positive mental health through online interventions, enhancing problem-solving skills, autonomy, interpersonal relationships, self-control, and a prosocial attitude. Methods: This study aimed to translate and culturally adapt the Spanish "Program to Promote Positive Mental Health through the Cuidadoras Crónicos Manual" into the Portuguese context, supporting its implementation as a smartphone application. The process involved translation, back-translation by two native experts, and refinement through a focus group with eight participants. The study adhered to the Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research (COREQ) guidelines. Results: The translation and back-translation processes identified several adjustments, which informed discussions in the focus group. Three key themes emerged: (i) conceptual and semantic equivalence, (ii) optimisation of content, and (iii) relevance and timeliness of the manual. Conclusions: The Spanish manual for promoting positive mental health among family caregivers was successfully translated and culturally adapted into European Portuguese. Validated through expert input, this marks the first version of the manual tailored to Portuguese caregivers, using Positive Mental Health models to support caregivers of individuals with chronic conditions.

Tradução e adaptação transcultural do Questionnaire for Persons with a Transfemoral Amputation (Q-TFA), para a língua portuguesa do Brasil

Objective: To translate, cross-culturally adapt and FACE validation of the Questionnaire for Persons with a Transfemoral Amputation (Q-TFA) into Brazilian Portuguese. Method: The Q-TFA translation and cross-cultural adaptation process was defined according to the operationalization proposed by Beaton, Reichenheim and Moraes, with the following stages: direct translation by two native bilingual translators of the target language and synthesis of the versions; reverse translation by two native bilingual translators of the source language and synthesis of the versions; submission to a panel of five experts; and pre-testing with thirty-five participants. An internal consistency assessment was also carried out using Cronbach's alpha, assuming a value ≥0.70 as acceptable. Results: During the process some distinctions were found, such as pronominal use and verb tense, but the translations were similar, and the terms were synonymous. This situation was remedied by making consensual adjustments to the questionnaire. The vast majority of experts agreed and preferred the semantic equivalence of the alternatives. In the pre-test phase, the translated items were assessed as clear and easy to understand by all the patients. The total value of Cronbach's alpha was 0.93, proving to be statistically significant and reliable. Conclusion: The process of translating and cross-culturally adapting the Q-TFA revealed that it was adapted to the cultural reality of Brazilians with transfemoral amputation and showed good reliability. It is worth noting that there is a need to continue the research to verify other psychometric properties in the evaluation of the instrument in a larger sample.

Translation and validation of the Clinical Frailty Scale (CFS) into Spanish in Chile

The assessment of frailty is crucial for the management and care of older adults. The Clinical Frailty Scale (CFS) has been proposed as a useful and practical tool for this assessment, but its implementation requires translation and validation to the specific cultural context. A standardized process of translation and cultural adaptation of the CFS in its second version was carried out. Then, 44 participants were recruited, including geriatricians and geriatrics residents, who evaluated 11 clinical cases using the scale. The intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) was used to assess the variability between the evaluators. A total of 484 evaluations were obtained (11 cases, 44 evaluators) with an intraclass correlation coefficient of 0.98. The sensitivity analysis showed no differences between subgroups of evaluators separated by years of experience or specialty status (certified geriatricians or those in training). The Spanish version of the CFS is reliable and practical for the assessment of frailty in older adults in Chile, constituting a valuable tool for this purpose in this context.

Cross-cultural adaptation and validation of the Thai version of the core outcome measures index for the back (COMI‐back) in patients with low back pain

PurposeTo translate and culturally adapt the Core Outcome Measures Index for the back (COMI-back) into Thai and to evaluate its psychometric properties in Thai-speaking patients with low back pain (LBP). MethodsThe translation process followed a standardized forward–backward method with two independent translators, followed by synthesis and back-translation. An expert committee reviewed the translations for cultural and conceptual equivalence. Pre-testing was done with Thai patients to refine the questionnaire. The validation study included 131 patients with LBP, who completed the Thai COMI-Back along with other validated questionnaires like the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), and EQ-5D-5L. Reliability was assessed using Cronbach’s alpha and intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC). Construct validity was determined by correlating COMI scores with those of reference scales.ResultsThe Thai COMI-Back exhibited strong reliability, with Cronbach’s alpha values from 0.89 to 0.93 and ICC values over 0.80 for all domains. Construct validity was supported by significant correlations with reference scales, with Spearman's rho values ranging from 0.47 to 0.84. Floor and ceiling effects were acceptable for most items, with notable exceptions for symptom-specific well-being and work disability.ConclusionThe Thai COMI-Back shows strong psychometric properties, making it suitable for clinical and research use in Thailand.

THE USE OF ABBREVIATIONS IN LEGAL CONTRACTS AND THEIR TRAMSLATION INTO ARMENIAN. CORPUS ANALYSIS

The paper refers to the study of abbreviations widely used in English and Armenian legal documents. The correct use of abbreviations plays a particularly important role in legal documents, in which it aims at avoiding the usage of repetition of long phrases and saving space. When translating documents related to the legal field, the translator needs a deep knowledge of abbreviations, their peculiarities and norms of usage to make the complex translation process easier. The present small-scale corpus analysis of the international property purchase and sale agreement signed between Armena, US and Luxembourg and comparison of the results allows to disclose both correct usages of abbreviations and translation drawbacks referring to abbreviations. The results will allow to greatly improve the quality of translation of documents in general and contribute to the accurate translation of international contracts in particular.

TRANSLATOR’S LABORATORY OR TRANSLATION HISTORY OF M. ZHUMABAYEV’S POETRY INTO ENGLISH

The article considers and presents to the domestic scientific community and the general readerthe translation experience of Professor Timur Kocaoglu, who first translated the poetry of the Kazakh poetMagzhan Zhumabayev into English. Among the works of national literature, gradually translated from Russianinto world languages so far, this is one of the few works translated directly from the Kazakh language, whichhas not yet received wide recognition. We can say that this is a breakthrough and important step in the directionof Magzhan studies, Kazakh translation studies and literature. That is why the aim of the study is to perform thepoetic translation experience of a polyglot translator who spent more than a half century to render Magzhan’spoetry in English. For this purpose, an interview was conducted based on open questions with T. Kocaogluwhich solve the following tasks: to determine the background of the translation of Magzhan’s poetry by thetranslator; to form a holistic picture of the translation process itself; to draw conclusions that will lead todeeper understanding of the nature of a poetic translation. Any translator faces linguistic, aesthetic and socioculturalproblems in literary translation. In particular, poetic translation requires a perfect language training,abilities and talent from the translator. Knowledge and study of the difficulties of a translation, special trainingand translation strategies, principles and solutions in the process of translating Magzhan’s poetry, the masterof words, into English is an invaluable resource for the emerging national society of translators. The firsttranslations published in 1993 were discussed.

Legal, Technical, and Linguistic Nuances in Patent Translation in English-Chinese Contexts: Based on an Invalidated Patent

Patent translation constitutes a highly specialized domain that necessitates a profound comprehension of both technical terminology and legal frameworks. This understanding is imperative to ensure precise technical accuracy, which is critical for maintaining the legal enforceability and scope of patents, as well as ensuring terminological consistency. The translation of patents presents multifaceted challenges requiring meticulous attention. Through a comprehensive examination of terminological consistency, legal considerations, cultural variances, and the inherent subjectivity of the translator, best practices can be identified to enhance the accuracy of patent translations. The translator's subjectivity plays a pivotal role in this process; it is not merely confined to adhering to dictionary definitions or navigating syntactical complexities. Rather, it involves a holistic and judicious interpretation of the inventor's intent, which must be effectively conveyed in the target language while simultaneously accommodating potential legal implications. This subjectivity transcends conventional principles and encompasses a broader spectrum of considerations. Furthermore, modern digital technology offers significant support in the realm of patent translation. The integration of advanced tools can facilitate the translation process, although it remains essential for translators to possess both linguistic proficiency and specialized knowledge in relevant technical fields. This dual expertise ensures that both the scientific integrity and legal validity of patent documents are preserved during translation.

Study of Linguistics Aspect in Translation of English Education Department

This study investigates linguistic aspects in the translation process carried out by English Education Department students at IAIN Sultan Amai Gorontalo. The research focuses on identifying common linguistic errors, analyzing their causes, and evaluating the linguistic competencies necessary for accurate translation. Conducted from April 4th to May 7th, 2024, the study utilized a mixed-methods approach, combining qualitative analysis of students’ translations of Factfulness by Hans Rosling, in-depth interviews, and classroom observations. AI tools assessed translation accuracy, while triangulation ensured data validity by comparing data sources and consulting experts. The findings highlight linguistic and cultural errors. Linguistic errors are categorized into morphology (58 errors), syntax (78 errors), and semantics (121 errors). Morphological errors stem from issues like singular-plural translation and affixation, while syntactic errors involve difficulties in adapting language structures. Semantic errors, the most prevalent, indicate challenges in conveying nuanced meanings accurately. Cultural errors (28 instances) are linked to students' limited understanding of cultural references, particularly those involving material culture and social organization. These results underscore the need to enhance students' linguistic and extralinguistic competencies. Recommendations include revising the curriculum to integrate cultural elements, fostering a deeper understanding of linguistic structures, and using innovative teaching strategies. This study provides insights into the linguistic challenges faced by students and offers practical suggestions to improve translation teaching, thereby contributing to better translation outcomes and more effective language education.

Lower extremity lymphedema in patients with gynecologic cancer: Validation of the Gynecologic Cancer Lymphedema Questionnaire (GCLQ) in German language and investigation of lymphedema real-world treatment

Abstract Purpose The Gynecologic Cancer Lymphedema Questionnaire (GCLQ) is an established patient-reported outcome measure for lower extremity lymphedema (LEL) in gynecologic oncology. We aimed to validate the GCLQ in German language (GCLQ-GER) for lymphedema detection in German-speaking patients and also investigated real-world patterns of lymphedema treatment. Methods The GCLQ was translated from English into German in accordance with the standards of a professional translation process. Subsequently, the questionnaire was administered in a prospective observational study including 102 patients who had undergone lymph node dissection (LND) within gynecologic cancer surgery. Various test quality criteria were calculated for the GCLQ-GER. As gold standard of testing methods, patients were clinically evaluated for LEL, and limb volume measurements were taken. Further data for lymphedema treatment were collected in patients with lymphedema diagnosis. Results Patients with LEL had increased GCLQ-GER total scores (mean 7.27) compared to patients without LEL (mean 1.81), p < 0.001. High diagnostic accuracy was indicated by the large area under the receiver operating characteristics curve (AUC) of 0.874 (95% CI 0.802–0.946). Based on sensitivity and specificity values ≥ 79.0%, the GCLQ total score ≥ 4 was determined as the optimal cut-off value to identify LEL. Excellent internal consistency was demonstrated by Cronbach’s alpha of 0.876. The clinical examination revealed a LEL prevalence of 48.0% (n = 49), and 85.7% (n = 42) of these patients received treatment. Conclusion The GCLQ-GER is a valid and feasible patient-reported outcome measure for lymphedema detection in German-speaking gynecologic cancer survivors. Its clinical introduction could improve secondary prevention of lymphedema and real-world treatment.

Aminopeptidase-Responsive NIR Photosensitizer for Precision Targeting and Eradication of Pseudomonas aeruginosa Biofilms.

The emergence of resistance in Pseudomonas aeruginosa represents a significant global health challenge, particularly due to the hurdle of effectively penetrating biofilms with antimicrobials. Moreover, the rise of antibiotic-resistant pathogens has driven the urgent need for developing innovative therapeutic approaches to overcome antibiotic resistance. Antibacterial phototherapy strategies have shown great potential for combating pathogens due to their broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity, spatiotemporal controllability, and relatively low rate of resistance emergence. However, due to the lack of bacterial specificity and penetration, photosensitizers cause considerable damage to mammalian cells and normal tissues and are less effective against bacterial biofilms. Herein, we developed a novel dual-targeting antibacterial strategy to construct a near-infrared photosensitizer, Cy-NEO-Leu. Cy-NEO-Leu showed great bacterial targeting affinity, penetrating and accumulating in biofilms. At the site of infection, it was specifically activated by P. aeruginosa aminopeptidase (PaAP), producing Cy-NEO-NH2, which demonstrated outstanding photothermal (PTT) and photodynamic (PDT) properties, with a photothermal conversion efficiency of up to 70.34%. Both in vitro and in vivo results demonstrated that Cy-NEO-Leu significantly reduced the biofilm biomass and bacterial viability in P. aeruginosa biofilms. Moreover, phototherapy with Cy-NEO-Leu further activated the immune system, enhancing therapeutic efficacy and promoting wound healing. RNA-seq analysis revealed that the antibacterial mechanism of Cy-NEO-Leu-mediated phototherapy involves disruption of the transcriptional and translational processes of P. aeruginosa under laser irradiation. Overall, our results present a promising therapeutic approach against P. aeruginosa biofilms and inspire the development of next-generation antimicrobials.

Translation and transcultural adaptation of the Person-Centered Practice Inventory-Care for Spanish patients

Person-centered care (PCC) positively impacts individuals by enhancing self-care, autonomy, well-being, skills, quality of life, and satisfaction with their care experience. The Person-Centered Practice Inventory-Care (PCPI-C), grounded in the Person-Centered Practice theoretical framework, is designed to assess healthcare users' perceptions of the PCC they receive. This study aims to develop the first Spanish version of the PCPI-C, translated and adapted to the Spanish context. The translation and cultural adaptation process followed the "Translation and Cultural Adaptation of Patient-Reported Outcomes Measures: Principles of Good Practice" guideline, which included a session with a group of experts and healthcare users. The clarity and relevance of each item, as well as the whole instrument, were assessed using the content validity index. No difficulties were found during the process. The committee unanimously agreed to include the definition of compassion in the instrument due to its complexity and potential confusion with other terms. Regarding clarity and relevance, the content validity index revealed excellent results for all 18 items in terms of relevance and for 16 items in terms of clarity. The overall validity index for the instrument showed excellent result for both clarity and relevance (=0.95). The first Spanish-adapted version of the PCPI-C, conceptually and semantically aligned with the original, is now available and demonstrates excellent scores for both clarity and relevance.

Cross-Cultural Translation and Adaptation of the Process-Based Assessment Tool (PBAT) to Brazilian Portuguese: A Methodological Approach for Ensuring Linguistic and Cultural Equivalence

Background: Process-Based Therapy (PBT) focuses on understanding and guiding individual change processes, diverging from group-based analyses. The approach tailor’s treatment to address individual issues, emphasizing measurable change processes for effective treatment, while recognizing that effective treatments are not constrained by a specific therapeutic orientation or strategy. The process-based assessment tool (PBAT) was developed to provide researchers and practitioners with a guide to a minimal viable set of process-based items. The PBAT is an item pool designed for intensive longitudinal clinical assessment, developed based on the PBT model. Objective: The present study aims to translate and cross-culturally adapt the PBAT into Brazilian Portuguese. Method: The cross-cultural adaptation process balances literal translation components from one language to the other and an adaptation process that takes into account the culture of the target population. The cross-cultural adaptation process occurred in four major steps: i) translation process; ii) back translation process; iii) evaluation of the semantic equivalence of the preliminary Portuguese version; and iv) pre-test. Result: The analysis of the results from the target population's evaluation was predominantly qualitative, supplemented with indicators such as the Content Validity Index (CVI) to identify potential items requiring adjustments. The results may suggest the effectiveness of the iterative refinement process, potentially increasing confidence in the accuracy and relevance of the translated PBAT for the Portuguese-speaking population. Conclusion: Future research endeavors may benefit from the translated PBAT, enabling a comprehensive exploration of within-person processes and fostering advancements in evidence-based practices.

Are Templates Killing the Subtitling Principles?

The subtitling industry has witnessed remarkable growth in recent years, driven by the upsurge in streaming content. To streamline the subtitling process, international streaming companies turned to using subtitling templates in their multilingual workflows. However, the introduction of templates has brought about a new set of challenges, affecting the skills required of subtitlers and the quality of the resulting translations. In this study, we use semi-structured interviews with professional subtitlers to gauge their perspective on working with contemporary template-based workflows and assess the impact of templates on the translation process and the quality of the final product. We were particularly interested in how templates influence translation, aligning with our central research question, whether templates kill fundamental subtitling principles. The findings reveal that subtitlers do not inherently oppose templates but emphasise the necessity for high-quality templates and annotations, especially for pivot workflows. Key concerns include issues with quality, tight deadlines, and inadequate compensation, along with the way in which template-based workflows are implemented. The study shows the importance of a collective commitment from all industry stakeholders to ensure high-quality outcomes and to position templates as valuable tools in the subtitling industry. The insights gained from the study are relevant to enhancing the visibility of subtitlers within the industry, as well as for evaluating the current state of the industry and establishing the foundation for identifying best practices. Lay summary The subtitling industry has seen significant growth, largely due to the increase in streaming content. To make translating subtitles more efficient, international streaming companies have started using templates. However, this has brought new challenges, affecting the skills subtitlers need and the quality of translations they produce. In our study, we interviewed professional subtitlers to understand their perspective on using these modern template-based workflows and to see how templates affect the translation process and the quality of the final product. We were particularly interested in how templates impact both the translation process and the quality of the final product, which aligns with the central question of our paper: are templates killing fundamental subtitling principles? Our findings show that subtitlers don’t dislike templates, but they stress the importance of having high-quality templates. Some main concerns include problems with template quality, tight deadlines, and inadequate pay, as well as how template-based workflows are put into practice. This study emphasizes the need for everyone in the industry to work together to ensure high-quality results and to establish templates as valuable tools in the subtitling field. The insights from this study can help make subtitlers more visible in the industry, evaluate the current state of the field, and lay the foundation for best practices.