Chapter 10. The Potential Value of Subtitles to Enhance Comprehension in Virtual Exchange
Martin Parsons
Martin Parsons
Abstract
In this chapter, the author investigates the potential value of adding subtitles to student-produced English-language videos in a virtual exchange (VE) context. While VE provides opportunities for authentic intercultural communication and language practice without requiring travel, comprehension difficulties may undermine its effectiveness. A small-scale study was conducted with 141 first- and second-year university students in Japan, whose videos were also shared with peers in China. Students created short videos on Japanese cuisine or the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). In total, 19 groups added English subtitles, while 18 did not. Peers completed comprehension questions alongside feedback rubrics. Results indicated that subtitles enhanced comprehension, with videos containing subtitles achieving significantly higher rates of correct responses (82.5%) compared to those without (73.2%). The difference was particularly pronounced for SDG-themed videos, where subtitles appeared crucial to understanding more complex subject matter. Student reflections supported the quantitative results, noting that subtitles aided understanding, especially when accents or speed posed challenges. Despite limitations concerning audio quality, question design, and sample size, the findings suggest that subtitles can play an important role in improving comprehension in VE projects. The study highlights the pedagogical potential of integrating subtitles into audiovisual materials to enhance both language learning and intercultural communication.
About the Contributor
Martin Parsons is a professor in the Faculty of Information Sciences at Hannan University in Osaka, Japan, where he teaches English and digital production. His research interests include interculturality, English language education in Japan, multimodality and the intersection between digital literacy and foreign language learning.
Citation
Parsons, M. (2025). The potential value of subtitles to enhance comprehension in virtual exchange. In A. Leis & M. Wilson (Eds.), Screen media in foreign language education (pp. 234-251). Candlin & Mynard. https://doi.org/10.47908/37/10
In this chapter, the author investigates the potential value of adding subtitles to student-produced English-language videos in a virtual exchange (VE) context. While VE provides opportunities for authentic intercultural communication and language practice without requiring travel, comprehension difficulties may undermine its effectiveness. A small-scale study was conducted with 141 first- and second-year university students in Japan, whose videos were also shared with peers in China. Students created short videos on Japanese cuisine or the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). In total, 19 groups added English subtitles, while 18 did not. Peers completed comprehension questions alongside feedback rubrics. Results indicated that subtitles enhanced comprehension, with videos containing subtitles achieving significantly higher rates of correct responses (82.5%) compared to those without (73.2%). The difference was particularly pronounced for SDG-themed videos, where subtitles appeared crucial to understanding more complex subject matter. Student reflections supported the quantitative results, noting that subtitles aided understanding, especially when accents or speed posed challenges. Despite limitations concerning audio quality, question design, and sample size, the findings suggest that subtitles can play an important role in improving comprehension in VE projects. The study highlights the pedagogical potential of integrating subtitles into audiovisual materials to enhance both language learning and intercultural communication.
About the Contributor
Martin Parsons is a professor in the Faculty of Information Sciences at Hannan University in Osaka, Japan, where he teaches English and digital production. His research interests include interculturality, English language education in Japan, multimodality and the intersection between digital literacy and foreign language learning.
Citation
Parsons, M. (2025). The potential value of subtitles to enhance comprehension in virtual exchange. In A. Leis & M. Wilson (Eds.), Screen media in foreign language education (pp. 234-251). Candlin & Mynard. https://doi.org/10.47908/37/10
Information About the Book
Title: Screen Media in Foreign Language Education
Editors: Adrian Leis and Matthew Wilson
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Title: Screen Media in Foreign Language Education
Editors: Adrian Leis and Matthew Wilson
Read more...