Audio Description in Arabic

A Scoping Review

Abstract

Arabic is one of the most widely spoken languages in the world, yet audio description in Arabic remains in its infancy, both in terms of service provision and as an academic discipline. To date, there is little standardisation and few guidelines available in Arabic compared to other languages such as German, English, Spanish, and Portuguese. This article presents a scoping review of the literature in audio description in Arabic. First, the review summarises existing research conducted on audio description in Arabic in film, museums, and wayfinding. Then, it presents and contextualises audio description practices in Arabic film festivals, on-demand platforms, museums and heritage sites, and live events. This article calls for further research and the adoption of audio description in     Arabic-speaking countries, given the potential of audio description to break down barriers and allow audiences with blindness and low vision to participate in cultural, educational, and entertainment experiences, contributing to a more equitable and inclusive society.

Lay summary

Arabic is one of the most widely spoken languages in the world, but audio description is still at an early stage in many Arabic-speaking countries. Audio description is a service that provides spoken explanations of important visual information in films, museums, live performances, and other settings, allowing people who are blind or have low vision to understand and enjoy these experiences more fully. Compared with languages such as English, Spanish, German, and Portuguese, Arabic has very few guidelines or agreed standards for producing high-quality audio description.

This article reviews the research that has been carried out on audio description in Arabic, focusing on its use in films, museums, and wayfinding, which involves providing spoken information to help people navigate spaces safely and independently. It also examines how audio description is currently being offered at Arabic film festivals, on streaming platforms, in museums and heritage sites, and during live events.

The review shows that although progress has been made, research and practical applications remain limited. It highlights the need for more studies, clearer guidelines, and wider adoption of audio description across the Arabic-speaking world. Expanding these services would help remove barriers for people with blindness and low vision, enabling them to participate more fully in cultural, educational, and entertainment activities. Ultimately, improving access to audio description can contribute to a more inclusive and equitable society, where everyone has greater opportunities to engage with shared cultural experiences.