[Athen] correct terminology -- audio description or video description

[Sheryl E. Burgstahler]

Jennifer,
I agree that either term works. Having said that, those of us speaking to newbies on the topic need to make sure to explain what we mean and share the alternative wording in order to minimize confusion.
Sheryl

On May 3, 2017, at 6:47 AM, Jennifer Sutton <jsuttondc at gmail.com> wrote:


> Thanks, all, for your responses.

> 

> I did reach out to someone who used to be at WGBH, and that response dovetails with what you say here, Steve.

> 

> 

> My ultimate take-away, as in so many things accessibility-related is that which term one uses will depend on context.

> 

> 

> I don't think it is a matter of personal preference, at least in some cases.

> 

> 

> As I understand it (and suspected when I asked the question), there's a lot of history and politics behind why there are two terms (and I don't just mean U.S. government politics).

> 

> 

> As I understand it, when referring to CVAA, I think "video description" may be the preferred term.

> 

> 

> My concern with relying on the W3C is that they may be less aware of the U.S. situation, and in the context of some of what I am doing, that will matter.

> 

> 

> As in so many things, language does matter, and I'm glad I understand the ramifications of the two terms.

> 

> 

> Again, thanks to all for your input.

> 

> 

> Best,

> 

> Jennifer

> 

> 

> 

> On 5/3/2017 5:51 AM, steve.noble at louisville.edu wrote:

>> Hi Jennifer,

>> 

>> The terms are now interchangeable, but the federal government prefers the term "video description" and that is the term typically used by Congress and the FCC. For instance, in 47 CFR 79.3 "Video description of video programming," the definition is given:

>> "(3) Video description. The insertion of audio narrated descriptions of a television program’s key visual elements into natural pauses between the program’s dialogue." [see https://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/CFR-2011-title47-vol4/pdf/CFR-2011-title47-vol4-sec79-3.pdf]

>> The federal government's use of the term "video description" dates back to the early 1990s, and perhaps before. You may want to reach out to Barry Cronin for the real scoop, as he was one of the original developers at WGBH. If you need his contact information, just let me know. In the mean time, here's a nice history for you: http://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/EJ1114571.pdf

>> 

>> Hope that helps,

>>  --Steve Noble

>> steve.noble at louisville.edu

>> 502-969-3088

>> http://louisville.academia.edu/SteveNoble

>> 

>> 

>> ________________________________________

>> From: athen-list [athen-list-bounces at mailman13.u.washington.edu] on behalf of Jennifer Sutton [jsuttondc at gmail.com]

>> Sent: Tuesday, May 02, 2017 10:14 PM

>> To: Access Technology Higher Education Network

>> Subject: [Athen] correct terminology -- audio description or video      description

>> 

>> Greetings, ATHEN list folks (along with a few others I've bcc-ed):

>> 

>> 

>> I'm sorting through my resources, and I'm confused about what the

>> correct term is for adding audio to videos to help explain visual

>> elements for blind people.

>> 

>> 

>> I know that we initially called it "audio description," but I had in

>> mind that the term was shifting to "video description" since that

>> describes better what it is, at least to a degree.

>> 

>> 

>> At the same time, I still see current articles and sites calling it

>> "audio description."

>> 

>> 

>> Does anyone have the definitive "scoop?"

>> 

>> 

>> I'd welcome links/citations in support of responses.

>> 

>> 

>> Is this, perhaps, one of these situations where we might *like* the term

>> to change, but the term "audio description" is so prevalent that

>> progress is slow?

>> 

>> 

>> Are there legal ramifications, i.e. maybe some state laws refer to it in

>> different ways?

>> 

>> 

>> Thanks in advance. I'm updating some things, and I'd like to get it right.

>> 

>> 

>> If it doesn't matter/they're now considered simply synonymous, I'd like

>> to know that, too.

>> 

>> 

>> Best,

>> 

>> Jennifer

>> 

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