Learning to Read: The LINK between Subtitles & Literacy - Interview to Prof Jan-Louis Kruger

Discover the surprising link between subtitles and literacy! In this insightful interview with Professor Jan-Louis Kruger, a leading researcher in the field of subtitling and eye tracking, we delve into the fascinating topic of subtitles and their potential benefits for children and individuals learning to read.

Professor Kruger shares valuable insights from cognitive and linguistic perspectives, shedding light on how subtitles influence our reading behavior and comprehension.

Links you might be interested in:
🔹 Transcription of this interview in written interview: https://learningreadinghub.com/blog/r...
🔹Turn on the subtitles campaign: https://turnonthesubtitles.org/
🔹Captions on: https://www.captionson.org/
🔹Planet Read: https://www.planetread.org/
🔹Article mentioned in the interview:
https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/arc...
🔹We All Need Subtitles Now:    • Why we all need subtitles now  

In this eye-opening conversation, we uncover the untapped potential of subtitles in the journey of learning to read.

Traditionally, we associate subtitles with accessibility for individuals with hearing difficulties. However, recent studies suggest that subtitles can also support literacy development.

Discover how even proficient readers subconsciously rely on subtitles as a stable source of information. Eye-tracking studies have shown that people, including children, automatically engage with subtitles, even if they claim not to read them! This suggests that subtitles can play a vital role in word recognition, especially for beginners.

By providing a double exposure to words—both through audio and visual means—subtitles help children recognize familiar words, building their reading skills gradually.

Learn the potential applications of subtitles for struggling readers. Professor Kruger encourages the exploration of creating shows specifically designed for beginner readers, incorporating high-frequency words, repetition, and a slower pace. The possibilities are vast, offering exciting opportunities to leverage subtitles as a strategic tool for improving reading abilities.