Should You Use Subtitles to Learn English?

Summary

This video discusses the challenges of understanding English in films and TV shows, highlighting two key factors: language delivery (such as mumbling or whispering) and language content (like regional accents and cultural references). The speaker explains how subtitles can enhance language learning by providing both audio and visual cues. However, for lower-level learners, subtitles might be overwhelming. The video also suggests that the best learning combination is English audio with English subtitles, but emphasizes the importance of real-life conversations for authentic language skills.

Takeaways

• 😀 Subtitles can improve comprehension, vocabulary, literacy, and pronunciation, but they should be used appropriately based on the learner's level.
• 😀 The main reason people struggle to understand films and TV shows is due to language delivery and content, not just limited language skills.
• 😀 Modern microphones in films have become extremely sensitive, making actors' voices more varied and harder to understand.
• 😀 Native speakers of English, including those with decades of experience, also use subtitles because of the difficulty in understanding fast-paced, mumbled, or whispered speech.
• 😀 Films and TV shows lack three-dimensional audio, making it harder for viewers to focus on the main dialogue amidst other background sounds.
• 😀 The use of authentic language, regional accents, and cultural references in films and TV shows can create barriers to understanding for both learners and native speakers.
• 😀 English learners are often too hard on themselves for not understanding everything in films; even native speakers don't expect to understand every word.
• 😀 Learning new language involves repetition and exposure, not magical understanding—consistency is key to mastering English.
• 😀 Subtitles are more effective for learners with sufficient language ability; lower-level learners might find them overwhelming and unhelpful.
• 😀 The best subtitle setting for language learning is English audio with English subtitles, though lower-level learners might need a simpler combination, such as native language subtitles.
• 😀 Film and television language is often too perfect and doesn’t reflect real-world conversations, which contain hesitations, repetitions, and spontaneous topic changes.

Q & A

Why is it difficult to understand speech in films and TV shows?

The difficulty in understanding speech in films and TV shows can be attributed to two main factors: language delivery and language content. Modern films often have varied voice delivery, including mumbling, whispering, and shouting, which can make comprehension harder. Additionally, the language used may contain unfamiliar vocabulary, regional accents, and cultural references.

What role does microphone technology play in understanding speech in films?

Microphone technology has evolved significantly. Early microphones were basic, requiring actors to speak loudly and clearly. Modern microphones are tiny and highly sensitive, allowing actors to speak in various ways, including mumbling and whispering. This evolution in microphone technology makes it harder to understand speech, even for native speakers.

How does the spatial nature of sound affect comprehension in real life versus on screen?

In real life, our brains can process audio in three dimensions, allowing us to separate different sounds, such as a person speaking in front of us and background noise. However, when watching films, all sounds are typically coming from the same direction—the speakers on your TV—making it harder for the brain to filter out background noise and focus on the speaker.

How do cultural references and regional accents affect understanding in films?

Films often include low-frequency vocabulary, regional accents, and cultural references that can create barriers to understanding. For example, specialized vocabulary or cultural terms, like ‘Nam’ (for the Vietnam War) or ‘Wrist Rocket’ (a type of slingshot), may be unfamiliar to viewers who don't share the same cultural background.

How do native speakers view comprehension in films compared to language learners?

Native speakers, even with a lifetime of experience, don't expect to understand every word or phrase in a film. They often rely on context to fill in the gaps. Learners, however, may feel frustrated if they can't understand everything, but this is a natural part of the learning process and should not be taken as a sign of failure.

What is the importance of subtitles in language learning?

Subtitles are beneficial for language learners because they provide both audio and visual information, helping to reinforce vocabulary and pronunciation. Studies show that subtitles can improve comprehension, literacy, vocabulary, and even pronunciation, without negatively impacting listening skills.

Are subtitles always beneficial for language learners?

While subtitles are generally helpful, they may not be beneficial for learners with lower language proficiency. For beginners, subtitles can be overwhelming and may lead to frustration. In such cases, using subtitles in one's native language or switching to simpler content can be more effective.

What is the best subtitle setting for learning English?

The best subtitle setting for learning English is English audio with English subtitles. This combination helps learners connect spoken and written forms of the language. However, for beginners or lower-level learners, English audio with subtitles in their native language may be more manageable.

What is the difference between 'authentic film English' and real-world spoken English?

Authentic film English is often too perfect and lacks the hesitations, pauses, repetitions, and corrections that are common in real-world conversations. While films aim to present polished dialogue, real-life conversations are messier and more spontaneous.

What should learners remember about using films and TV shows to prepare for real-world communication?

Learners should remember that films and TV shows, while helpful, do not reflect the true nature of everyday conversation. They present scripted, polished dialogue that lacks the nuances of real-world speech. To truly prepare for real-world communication, learners must engage in conversations with real people.