Are subtitles useful for language learners?

Abstract

Despite the seemingly commonsensical view that captions or subtitles aid comprehension, empirical research is less certain about their recommendation for all language learners. This review article introduces some of the theoretical foundations of multimedia learning before examining recent studies investigating the facilitative effect of L2 captions, L1 subtitles and dual-language subtitles. Qualitative insights from research are then presented, with implications for both research and teaching practice further discussed.  The article concludes by underlining the importance of learner perspectives due to the complexity of factors affecting the pedagogical value of captions and subtitles.