Secondary Encoding

Abstract

Translation between media is often used to make information encoded in one modality available to users who are unable to make use of that modality. Translation acts on the primary means of encoding the information (e.g., text, sound). Secondary encoding (e.g., color, intonations) is often added to primarily encoded information to help the user correctly interpret its intended meaning. During translation between media, secondary encodings are often removed and their information remains inaccessible. When this happens, miscommunications may occur. Although secondary encoding is a multi-discipline problem, different types of secondary encoding are usually analyzed as separate problems. In reality, they are aspects of a single problem. This paper presents a taxonomy of secondary encodings and guidance for improving the accessibility of secondary encoded information.