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The impact of text segmentation on subtitle reading
Olivia Gerber-Morón1, Agnieszka Szarkowska, Bencie Woll2
1Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Spain.
Journal of Eye Movement Research
|April 8, 2021
Summary
Syntactically segmented subtitles did not improve comprehension, despite expectations. Non-syntactic segmentation increased cognitive load but did not hinder understanding in subtitled films for diverse viewers.
Area of Science:
- Audiovisual Translation Studies
- Cognitive Psychology
- Linguistics
Background:
- Subtitling research focuses on viewer comprehension and cognitive load.
- A common belief is that syntactic line breaks in subtitles enhance readability.
- Previous studies on syntactic segmentation's effectiveness have yielded inconclusive results.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of syntactic versus non-syntactic text segmentation in subtitles on viewer processing.
- To determine if linguistic background influences subtitle processing.
- To assess the effects on cognitive load, comprehension, and eye-tracking metrics.
Main Methods:
- Participants (hearing native speakers of English, Polish, Spanish, and deaf/hard of hearing/hearing English speakers) watched video excerpts with two subtitle segmentation types.
- Cognitive load was measured via self-reported difficulty, effort, and frustration.
- Comprehension and eye-tracking data were collected.
Main Results:
- Non-syntactically segmented subtitles led to increased cognitive load (difficulty, effort, frustration).
- Neither subtitle segmentation type significantly impacted overall comprehension.
- Viewer linguistic background did not emerge as a significant factor in processing differences.
Conclusions:
- Syntactic segmentation is not essential for comprehension in subtitled media.
- Non-syntactic segmentation may increase cognitive load without compromising understanding.
- Findings challenge assumptions about subtitle segmentation and have implications for audiovisual translation practices, particularly concerning deaf and hard of hearing audiences.
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