Frequently asked questions
Booking a session with Bayan is simple. Just contact us through our website or email us at Bayanchacra@gmail.com. We'll discuss your project requirements and schedule a session that fits your timeline.
The choice depends on your audience's emotional connection. Modern Standard Arabic (MSA) is the gold standard for formal, legal, or pan-Arab educational content because of its universal reach. However, for consumer brands in the UAE or Saudi Arabia, using a Khaleeji (Gulf) dialect creates immediate trust and relatability. For broad entertainment or conversational ads, Egyptian or Levantine dialects are often the most widely understood across the MENA region.
While AI voice technology has advanced, it still struggles with the complex phonetics and emotional nuances of the Arabic language. Arabic is highly contextual; a single word can change meaning based on subtle vocal inflections and "Tashkeel" (diacritics). A professional artist like Bayan Chacra provides the cultural authenticity, perfect pronunciation of difficult sounds like 'ayn (ع) and ghayn (غ), and the ability to take live direction—things AI cannot yet replicate with 100% accuracy.
Voice-over is typically a narrative layer where the original audio can still be heard. Dubbing involves completely replacing the dialogue with lip-synced Arabic speech, requiring high acting skills. Localized narration adapts the script's cultural references to fit a specific region. As an audio engineer, I ensure that regardless of the format, the technical "specs" (noise floor, EQ, and compression) are broadcast-ready for OTT platforms or TV.
For most short-form projects like commercials, e-learning modules, or IVR systems, the turnaround time is 24 to 48 hours. Having a dedicated professional home studio allows for immediate recording and fast revisions, which is a major advantage over larger agencies that may have longer booking lead times.
Direct translation often fails in Arabic because literal meanings don't always translate the brand’s emotion. "Transcreation" involves rewriting the script to fit local idioms and cultural values while keeping the original intent. A native artist doesn't just read the words; they audit the script for cultural sensitivity to ensure the message resonates respectfully with audiences in Cairo, Dubai, or Riyadh.
