Even seemingly simple phrases in one language can bring untold complications in another, so Netflix Hermes has been created as an attempt to keep content on the massive streaming service as widely accessible as possible. Netflix Hermes is a test developed by Netflix in order to assess the translating capabilities of subtitlers, helping to reduce the (often silly) translating errors that can creep into subtitles.
Netflix offers subtitles for over 20 languages. Since the majority of Netflix's content is in English, Hermes assesses subtitlers ability to understand and effectively translate from English into the language of their choice. To be sure, this isn't as simple as literally translating phrases. Idioms always pose a problem, especially for those unfamiliar with the culture of the show or film. Aside from grammar and comprehension, Hermes tests subtitlers' ability to recognize idioms and find a culturally appropriate match in the translation language.
Subtitling Skill Evaluations
Netflix's Hermes Test Scores Subtitlers' English Translations
Trend Themes
1. Subtitler Skill Assessment - The creation of Netflix Hermes-inspired evaluation tools for other subtitling industries.
2. Cultural Liaisons - Hiring fluent speakers of the language representing the content being subtitled, and with an in-depth understanding of the language culture.
3. Machine Translation Enhancement - Developing AI and machine learning algorithms to improve direct language translations and reduce errors.
Industry Implications
1. Streaming Services - Design customizable subtitling assessments to reduce subtitles errors on their platforms.
2. Media and Entertainment - Creating subtitling assessment tools for movie studios, TV networks, and other content providers to reflect the importance of subtitling to reach a wider audience.
3. Language Services - Developing innovative software solutions to assist translators with the translation of idioms that can challenge direct translators between languages.