Mapping the Evolving Landscape of Audiovisual Translation and Media Accessibility

This article explores the dynamic evolution of audiovisual translation (AVT) and media accessibility amid technological advances and shifting societal expectations. Once viewed as simple linguistic aids, AVT and media accessibility now play a vital role in inclusive cultural participation and global communication. The text highlights diverse practices – from subtitling and dubbing to game localisation and services such as audio description and closed captions – showcasing their creative, user-focused transformations. It also serves as an introduction, previewing the contributions in this issue that collectively reimagine AVT and accessibility as interconnected, evolving fields essential for fostering equitable, immersive, and culturally sensitive media experiences worldwide.