ABSTRACT
In the field of media communication, digitalization facilitates the creation, production, distribution and potential manipulation of new audiovisual contents. Digitalization has also led to the multiplication of audiovisual distribution platforms and devices. The staggering number of hours of audiovisual content localized every single day, and the fast pace with which this is taking place, have brought a wider and better choice for audiences, as well as a growing diversity in audiovisual content consumption, and in the use of different translation practices. This chapter defines different localization practices, and examines three critical issues concerning localization: technological change, global and social difference, and the new active role of audiences. We will discuss the role of digitalization and technology in current localization practices, and the topic of global difference and social difference, in relation to audiovisual translation modes. Finally, we will explore the role of the new active audiences and their impact on emerging localization practices.
