Created: Dec 16, 2024
Last Updated: Dec 16, 2024
Are you using movies to learn English and wondering whether you should be using subtitles to help you? You’re not alone, as this is a hotly debated topic.
Subtitles - sometimes known as captions - are the words at the bottom of the screen, showing what’s being said. Many learners claim that they are a big help on their journey to fluency when used properly.
In fact, some studies have shown that they can even improve language learning by up to 17% percent compared to not using them. That’s a pretty impressive improvement just by turning on some on-screen captions.
So, let’s start our investigation into who they can help, what their limitations are and whether they might work for you!
Some people find that subtitles are a brilliant tool that can help you to:
However, other people find them more of a distraction than a help. And there’s always the concern that advanced learners will become dependent on them.
So whether you should learn a language with or without subtitles it really comes down to whether you find they help you or hold you back.
A big part of how helpful they are depends on your level of English proficiency and the kind of subtitles you use.
Let’s take a look at how the different types could work for you and what the experts say about how they can help.
You might not have thought about it, but there are 3 main types of subtitles. Which type is best for you mainly depends on your current level of English. We’ll take you through them now.
What are they?
Same-language subtitles are where audio and text are both in the target language - in our case, English.
Why would you use these?
Same-language subtitles are perfect for those with intermediate English fluency looking for new ways to help them learn advanced English. In particular, their listening comprehension and vocabulary.
They're especially useful when watching content with unfamiliar accents or fast-paced dialogue so that you can confirm that what you’re hearing matches the vocabulary you’re reading.
How do they help?
What are they?
Translated subtitles are where audio is in the target language (in our case, English) but subtitles are in the learner's native language.
Why would you use these?
These are ideal for beginners and lower-intermediate learners who are still building their English vocabulary and comprehension skills. They're particularly helpful when watching complex content or when you want to ensure you're following the plot accurately.
How do they help?
They can help you to:
Overall, translated subtitles offer an excellent bridge between your native language and English while you build your core skills.
What are they?
Reversed subtitles are where the audio is in the native language but subtitles are in the target language. For instance, if you were watching a movie in your mother tongue but had English subtitles switched on.
Why would you use these?
While not the most common choice, reversed subtitles can be particularly helpful for complete beginners and visual learners. They offer a gentler introduction to English, since you can fully understand the content through your native language while building your reading skills.
This approach can feel less overwhelming than trying to process unfamiliar English speech right from the start.
How do they help?
Reversed subtitles let you learn English reading and vocabulary at your own pace, since you're hearing your native language. This can be less stressful for beginners and helps you pick up new words and phrases while fully understanding the content.
However, it won't help you develop listening skills or learn proper pronunciation, which are crucial for real conversations. You’ll be missing all of the benefits of language immersion that movies and television give.
Think of it as only useful as a jumping-off point that you should move on from as quickly as possible.
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If you want to use subtitles to help you learn English using movies, we recommend a step-by-step approach as your English improves.
Start with reversed subtitles when you're a complete beginner. This lets you build vocabulary and reading skills without feeling overwhelmed.
Then progress to translated subtitles to start training your ear to English while still having the security of understanding the plot.
As your confidence grows, switch to same-language subtitles to really connect spoken and written English. These are the best type of subtitles for intermediate learners.
Finally, challenge yourself to watch without subtitles once you're comfortable – this best mimics real-world conversations where you won’t have the aid of captions or translations.
YouTube language teacher Lindsay Does Languages explains how she recommends this particular method in the video above.
Yes, there are potential limitations to using subtitles to learn English that people sometimes encounter.
If you’re ready to take the final leap and wean yourself off of using subtitles and reap the full benefits of being exposed to English with no distractions, here are our top tips.
Rewatch your favorite movies or TV shows without subtitles. Since you already know the plot, you can focus on understanding the dialogue without worrying about following the story.
Without subtitles as an aid, you might find it more mentally tiring to process what you’re hearing. Keep the amount to watch manageable at first, and work up to longer lengths.
You could start by learning English with cartoons, which tend to have shorter episodes and easy-to-follow storylines.
Or, if you would prefer to watch a movie, Flurret helps you learn the vocabulary you need to watch an entire film in short chunks of between 10 and 20 minutes at a time.
Wondering how to do this before you’ve watched a movie? Flurret is here to help.
Our next-generation language learning platform allows you to learn unknown vocabulary from a wide range of movies and TV shows. Meaning you can sit back and absorb the English language without any distractions.
How long should I use subtitles before trying without them?
There's no fixed timeline as everyone learns differently. Try gradually removing subtitles for short segments (2-3 minutes) and increase the duration as your confidence grows. If you understand about 80% without subtitles, you're ready to try watching without them more regularly.
Will using subtitles make me dependent on them?
This is a common concern. It’s important to always remember that subtitles are a learning tool, not a crutch. The key is to gradually reduce their use as your skills improve and to practice listening without them regularly.
What should I do when I encounter words I don't understand in subtitles?
Keep a notebook to add new words and phrases to. Don't feel you need to understand every word - focus on grasping the overall meaning first, then revisit challenging sections if needed.
If you find yourself adding lots of new words that mean you have to pause the content all the time, you might want to consider learning the vocabulary ahead of time using the Flurret platform. We cleverly match you to content at the perfect level for you - meaning you’ll learn lots of new words but won’t be overwhelmed.
Try it today.
