Translating the visual into extended verbal description

The article highlights a research gap in the extended (paused) format of audio description (AD) against the backdrop of prolific scholarly output focusing on the mainstream, standard AD format, including numerous user reception studies. Extended AD exists as a peripheral practice and has a largely untapped potential as an alternative method of describing audiovisual content. The project presented in this article aims at offering insights into extended AD from different perspectives in three empirical studies employing a distinct combination of research methods, which include natural language processing, qualitative research (focus groups, interviews) and empirical tools (think-aloud protocol). As such, the study proposes systematic extendibility and practical use of so-called paused commentaries. This, in turn, has the potential to offer a more informative viewing experience to conventional user groups and an opportunity to repurpose AD as assistive commentaries for a wider range of audiences.