Translation of Content for the Brazilian Market: Challenges and Solutions
Translating content for the Brazilian market involves more than just converting words from one language to another. One of the biggest challenges that many businesses face, especially in audiovisual content, is the increase in text volume when translating from English to Brazilian Portuguese. What might fit comfortably into a video or advertisement in English often becomes too long after translation, affecting the pacing and overall quality of the content.
The Challenge of Text Volume
When translating from English to Brazilian Portuguese, the text often expands. This happens because Portuguese generally requires more words to express the same idea in English. A phrase that fits easily into a 1-minute video in English might become too lengthy when translated literally into Brazilian Portuguese, forcing businesses to make difficult decisions about which parts of the content to cut or adjust.
For example, a simple English sentence might be translated into a much longer Portuguese equivalent, resulting in an audio track that feels rushed or cramped, especially in a video or e-learning module where pacing is crucial. This can disrupt the natural flow of the narration and diminish the effectiveness of the message.
Solutions for Adapting Content for Audiovisual Formats
To avoid disrupting the rhythm and engagement of the piece, it’s important to approach translation with an awareness of the final format. A good solution is to adapt—not just translate—the content, keeping the original message intact but adjusting the text to fit the time constraints.
One way to achieve this is by working closely with both the translator and voice artist from the start. The translator should focus not only on accuracy but also on making the text concise enough to fit within the desired time frame. The voice artist can then adjust their pacing to ensure the narration sounds natural while remaining within the limits of the video’s length.
Additionally, it may be necessary to condense certain parts of the content or adjust the phrasing to maintain a natural flow. The goal is to keep the original message intact, while ensuring that the content is presented in a way that feels comfortable for the Brazilian audience and works well within the audiovisual format.
Conclusion
Translating content for the Brazilian market comes with its challenges, especially when it comes to text volume in audiovisual pieces. By recognizing the potential for text expansion and adjusting the translation process accordingly, businesses can ensure that their message is delivered effectively and with the proper pacing. A well-executed translation, combined with professional voice narration, ensures that the content not only conveys the intended message but also maintains the quality and flow that engages the Brazilian audience.
