Subtitled Audio-visual Material for Teaching EFL Listening Comprehension and Vocabulary

Abstract

The purpose of this research synthesis is to analyze the effects of subtitled audio-visual material on listening comprehension and vocabulary learning in English as a foreign language as well as the students' perceptions of the use of this material. Sixteen empirical studies published over a period of 20 years and focused mainly on the teaching and learning of English as a foreign language were analyzed. The results of the analysis showed that the use of audio-visual material with subtitles could have a positive effect on listening comprehension and vocabulary learning; however, negative effects and no effects were also found. Similarly, students' perceptions were mostly positive, stating that subtitled audio-visual material helps them to improve their listening comprehension, learn new words, and obtain correct pronunciation. In addition, the students concluded that the audio-visual material is an interesting and motivating tool.