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Choosing the languages of subtitles and spoken dialogues for media presentations: Implications for second language education

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  28 November 2008

W.E. Lambert*
Affiliation:
McGill University
I. Boehler
Affiliation:
McGill University
N. Sidoti
Affiliation:
McGill University
*
W.E. Lambert, Psychology Department, McGill University, 1205 Dr. Penfield Avenue, Montreal, Quebec, Canada, H3A 1B1

Abstract

This study explored novel ways of using the media for education, especially second language instruction. Various combinations of visual and auditory presentations of messages were compared, for example, both written script and spoken dialogue in subjects’ first language (L1), or script and/or dialogue in a second laguage (L2), and so on. Subjects were elementary pupils with advanced training in L2. The dialogues of radio programs were transcribed, permitting such combinations as: dialogue in L2, script in L1 (the normal subtitling format); dialogue in L1, script in L2 (reversed subtitling); both dialogue and script in L1 or in L2; and so forth. On L1 and L2 tests of memory, certain combinations (e.g., reversed subtitling) were much more promising for the development or maintenance of second language skills, or for literacy training, than was conventional subtitling. Theoretical and practical inplications are discussed.

Type
Articles
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 1981

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