Gains to language learners from viewing target language closed-captioned films (2004)

Stewart, M. A., & I. Pertusa. (2004). Gains to language learners from viewing target language closed-captioned films. Foreign Language Annals, 37 (3), 438-447

ABSTRACT

In an effort to facilitate students' understanding of films in the target language, many instructors turn to films with English subtitles. Viewing films subtitled in English does not encourage learners to use their previously acquired listening skills, but rather allows them to rely on reading English instead of making the extra effort required to follow what they hear in the target language.Current DVD technology offers another option: watching foreign language films closed-captioned in the target language, which provides visual reinforcement of what students are hearing. In a comparison study of gains in vocabulary recognition made by students in intermediate Spanish conversation classes viewing films with English subtitles and others watching the same films with Spanish closed captioning we found slight differences. However, surveys of student reactions pointed to a number of possible benefits for language learners of watching closed-captioned films in the target language. These merit further investigation.