Effects of watching english movies with subtitles: assessing significance of improvement

Abstract

In this age of technological development, watching English-language films with subtitles is becoming increasingly common throughout the world. One reason for this popularity is the assumption that it can help the language learner to improve poor comprehension, limited vocabulary, bad grammar, and the other aspect of macro skills. To determine the effectiveness of watching English film with subtitle, we conducted qualitative study and interviewed 14 participants, 7 for the in-depth interviews and 7 for the focus group discussion. This phenomenological study focuses on the effects of watching English-subtitles movies or films. Triangulation of data was made through the data sources of In-depth interviews, Focus group discussions, and we the researchers as the third informants. The findings were classified into ten major themes. These are the significant themes generated: develops comprehension ability, develops fluency on the target language, gains phonetic awareness, develops vocabulary skills, helpful in improving linguistic skills, engages in different languages situations/contexts, develops the ability to grasp information, activates prior knowledge, develops sympathy and empathy and aids in the development of macro skills. Moreover, this study would add to the usefulness and could help the enrichment of language education.