As a second Master’s degree, after an MA in Editing, I chose to study a MRes in Visual Cultural Studies. Editing interested me immensely, but my research and theoretical interest were fueled by the intersections of literature and the arts from a cultural perspective.
I viewed Cultural Studies as a private endeavour at first, because it does not deal with working on texts directly. But then I realised it helps in my activity as a linguist in several enriching ways:
1. I correlate image and text while translating, which is beneficial in localization. The rhythm and flow of marketing language is much enhanced by awareness of visual elements of websites and brands. It’s like I have a tune in my head all the time, only visual!
2. I am aware of the slightest nuances of visual media language. I can analyze marketing visuals and see how differently they are perceived in different cultures and languages. That way, websites and apps I work on are localized in a holistic manner and not even the slightest detail is overlooked.
3. I translate language by taking design into account. Localization is often not linear – it follows design rules. Text has to look good on page: maintaining word groups on the same text line, correlating color and text and understanding concepts such as banners, pop-ups and widgets are all part of the job.
In hindsight, I can say editing and cultural studies was the best choice I could have made – especially in that order! I now look forward to deepening my Ph.D. research about poetic text in the visual arts.
Image source: © Ylanite_NietjuhArt/ Pixabay.com