Following its global expansion and the addition of diverse languages, Netflix, Inc. (NASDAQ:NFLX) is looking for translators to assist in translating content from English to other languages. Currently, Netflix’s global expansion efforts have resulted in almost half of the streaming giant’s 93 million subscribers now hailing from outside the United States.
“We’re quickly approaching an inflection point where English won’t be the primary viewing experience on Netflix,” Netflix wrote in a blog post.
More international languages
While in its early years it supported three languages – Portuguese, Spanish and English that figure has now rise to over 20 languages and these include Turkish, Polish, Korean and Arabic. To help in the recruitment effort of translators needed to subtitle its existing and future content, Netflix has consequently unveiled HERMES, an online tool. With HERMES budding translators can take tests and once they succeed they are paired with assignments that are suited to them. The tool has been in existence for a fortnight.
With the stated intention of only recruiting the best translators who will not miss nuances and other language specifics, the standardized test of HERMES pays particular attention to phrases or idioms that are unique in a certain culture or language. Over 4,000 idioms in the English language are included with a view to testing a candidate’s grasp of English and how well they can translate it into the language or languages of their choice.
Huge interest
By taking the tests, translators get scored by Netflix and if successful stand a chance of being considered in future projects. According to the online video streaming giant, thousands of budding translators across the globe have taken the test in the two weeks that HERMES has been live.
All the budding translators and subtitlers who take the test will get a unique number assigned to them and this will help in the evaluation process. This will also help in making internal recommendations on the most qualified candidate for a particular project depending on their past performance. Candidates will thus be matched with the projects they excel in and not necessarily their favorite genres.
On Thursday shares of Netflix rose by 1.09% to close the day at $148.06.
