O uso das mídias audiovisuais gratuitas como recurso emancipador para a obtenção autônoma da proficiência em língua inglesa

Abstract

When we talk about translation, there is no consensus regarding its conceptual definition, as the word itself circulates in a multiplicity of meanings. Therefore, to support this multiplicity, several theories that explore its extensive nature – in terms of its predominant function and objective – and even propose its total or specific impossibility, emerge. These range from the parallel between free and literal translation, to theses such as intralingual, interlingual, intersemiotic and many areas, such as audiovisual, which has been growing more and more. According to Agost (1999), every media text that can be translated into written or oral discourse, with image and audio as the main elements, characterized by the combination of these codes, fits into the field of audiovisual translation (AVT). Although this field has persisted as a practice for many years, it was only after globalization that it gained greater relevance. Its modalities branch out, covering different spheres, one of which is subtitling - a practice based on the tripod: image, maintenance of the original audio and addition of written text in the original or target language. This branch is divided, in relation to technique and destination, between closed and open subtitling. When compared to other modalities, the open one is a much faster and less costly production activity as it requires less human and monetary resources and has the possibility of being even more agile and cheaper when performed and made available independently/informally. The application of translation in the context of a pedagogical tool in the area of languages has extended for centuries, but with the emergence of methods such as the Direct and the Audiolingual, it was removed from the teaching-learning practice. However, going against these ideas arises the Communicative Method and its adept theorists, such as Parks (1982) and Brown (1994), who start to refer to it as a natural and important exercise for the acquisition of an authentic language fluency. It is, therefore, essential to highlight that one of the resources that enables the use of translation in the context of teaching or acquisition of a Foreign or a Second Language in a contextualized and multimodal way (hence image, sound and text), is audiovisual – with AVT, which in the subtitling format becomes a wildcard instrument by transforming artifices that could be seen as a threat to the time reserved for study into an attractive means that complements learning. In this sense, through this research, our proposal is to explore this already validated tool, testing the possibility of maintaining effectiveness when using only free audiovisual material available on the internet (piracy) and as an exclusive one. Bearing in mind the purpose of opening investigations for alternative method that could serve as an emancipatory, autonomous and free tool for socioeconomically vulnerable individuals who wants to achieve functional English language proficiency. Therefore, it will become possible to strategically remedy or minimize the lack of access to private teachers, private courses and paid apps or sites for language learning.