a corpus-based approach to the language of audio description

the same company accordingly to the genre and the person who audio
describes or records the script 18 . However, as a general rule, audio
description usually entails the following operations: choosing the suitable
programme for description, seeing the programme, writing a draft script,
reviewing the script, adjusting the sound level, recording the script and
reviewing the recording (ITC 2000).
Not all audiovisual products can be considered equally suitable for
audio description, even within the same genre. Indeed, since this activity
aims at providing full access and enjoyment to the blind and the visually
impaired, audio describing some products could be more a hindrance than a
help. This could be the case:
1. For many action films, where action is so fast that the audio
description would be too tiring or difficult for the audience.
2. For tightly-worded scripts, where little or no space is left for audio
description insertion.
3. For television news which are also characterized by a relatively high
number or words.
The same goes for theatre, even though it strictly depends on the type of
performances, such as opera and ballet among others, and on the possibility
18 Guidelines about the production of AD are available in various countries, namely the UK, Spain,
Germany, Austria, France, Poland and the USA, although the quantity and the quality of guidelines
might differ. Specific guidelines from countries other than the UK will be discussed in the following
sections. This research work intends to concentrate on English but also aims at giving a general
overview of the other European countries in the field of AD.
26