Language and Cultural Barriers in the Distribution of Digital Content: The Case of Non-English Language Series on Streaming Platforms

Don Parker
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Don Parker: Independent Researcher- Reino Unido

Global Digital Culture & Communication, 2025, vol. 2, 8

Abstract: The expansion of streaming platforms has radically transformed the global circulation of audiovisual content, enabling productions originating in diverse linguistic and cultural contexts to reach international audiences. However, the transnational distribution of digital content continues to face linguistic and cultural barriers that influence the accessibility, comprehension, and reception of such productions. The objective of this study is to analyze the impact of these barriers on the global distribution of non-English language series on streaming platforms, particularly on Netflix, considered one of the world's leading digital entertainment platforms. The research was conducted using a mixed methodological approach that integrated a literature review of scientific articles indexed in Scopus, an analysis of global audiovisual consumption trends, and a survey administered to 320 streaming platform users. The results show that although non-English language productions have significantly increased their presence in global catalogs and rankings, their international circulation depends largely on audiovisual translation processes such as subtitling and dubbing, as well as cultural localization strategies. Likewise, it was identified that approximately 38% of the most-watched series on Netflix in recent years correspond to productions originally made in languages other than English. However, difficulties persist related to the interpretation of cultural references, local humor, and the sociocultural codes specific to each region. It is concluded that the glocalization strategy adopted by streaming platforms has contributed to the internationalization of audiovisual content, although reducing linguistic and cultural barriers remains a significant challenge to ensuring a fully accessible global consumption experience.

Keywords: Streaming,; cultural globalization,; audiovisual translation,; Netflix,; digital distribution. (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:gdc:gdccmm:v:2:y:2025:id:8

DOI: 10.65835/gdcc.2025.2.8

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