The Hidden Benefits of Watching Movies with Subtitles, Even When You Already Speak the Language

Watching a movie with subtitles, even if the film is in a language you already speak, can be a highly rewarding experience. This article explores the various benefits that come with this practice, from improved comprehension to enhanced language skills and cultural insights.

Improved Comprehension

One of the primary benefits of using subtitles is the enhanced understanding of the spoken content. Subtitles can clarify complex dialogue and difficult accents, making it easier to grasp the full meaning of what's being said. For example, if you're watching a film with an accent you're not familiar with, the corresponding subtitles can help you follow the conversation more easily and develop a deeper comprehension of the plot and characters.

Enhanced Vocabulary and Language Skills

Reading subtitles also presents an opportunity to expand your vocabulary and improve your language skills. By exposing you to new words and phrases, subtitles can help you refine your understanding of idiomatic expressions and cultural nuances. This can be particularly beneficial for language learners or those who want to improve their proficiency in a native language.

Focused Engagement and Accessibility

Using subtitles can encourage closer attention to the dialogue and overall engagement with the story. This is especially true for movies with fast-paced or challenging dialogue. For example, if you find it difficult to follow a particularly intricate plot or character interaction, the subtitles can help you stay focused and understand the nuances of the conversation. Additionally, subtitles can serve as a tool for making movies more accessible to individuals who are hard of hearing or have difficulty understanding spoken language, such as children or non-native speakers.

Cultural Insights and Nuances

Subtitles can also provide valuable insights into cultural differences and nuances. This is particularly evident in films that explore different cultural contexts or have significant cultural references. Listening to a foreign language can sometimes miss the context of cultural references, jokes, or idiomatic expressions. Subtitles can bridge this gap, allowing you to better understand the broader cultural context of the film and its characters.

Personal Experience with Subtitles

I, a night owl residing in a flat with neighbors all around me, often find myself needing to keep the television volume low to avoid disturbing their sleep. In such cases, subtitles become an invaluable tool. I frequently resort to using subtitles to follow the plot without needing to increase the volume, enhancing my overall viewing experience.

One memorable instance was when I watched several episodes of Doctor Who with French subtitles. Although I understand practically no French, the experience was exciting, and I could pick up on a few words. The start of one episode, “The Big Bang,” featured a conversation where a child psychiatrist asks Amy about the strange things in her drawing. The word “étoile” (star) was clearly visible in the French subtitles, making the scene even more immersive.

Another delightful personal experience was watching the anime Girls und Panzer. In this series, the History Club already provides fascinating historical quotes in Latin, but a fansub group decided to take things a step further by dubbing the dialogue with German. This dubbing, despite being a major shift from the original language, enhances the atmosphere and gives the series a more militaristic and exciting spirit. The fansubbers’ creativity is evident in their translations, which range from “Jawohl” (Yes, sir) to “verstanden” (understood), adding a rich level of detail to the dialogue. Their most impressive feat, however, was in a scene where a character is cleaning her glasses when an explanation is given by another character. They translated “Alles klar” (Everything is clear) with a sense of satisfaction, making a subtle yet meaningful impact on the scene.

Another instance where the fansubbers truly outdid themselves was in a scene where the Oiri team is facing severe weather conditions known as General Winter. After being asked to surrender, their response was translated as “they sure are nuts,” a response that both captures the essence of their determination and adds a sense of authenticity to the dialogue.

In conclusion, whether you're a language learner, a culture enthusiast, or just someone looking to enjoy a movie more fully, using subtitles is a practice that can enhance your viewing experience in numerous ways.