Arab World English Journal (AWEJ) Special Issue on CALL Number 4. July 2018                               Pp. 185-192
DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.24093/awej/call4.14

Abstract PDF

Full Paper PDF

 

 

 How to Use L2 Movies Effectively to Learn New Vocabulary: A New Theoretical Perspective

Abdulrahman Abdullah Alharthi
JCC, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

 

 

 

Abstract:
This paper explores the impact of first language (L1) and second language (L2) subtitles in films. From a new perspective, the paper looks at the role of repetition as a separate entity that influences vocabulary learning despite subtitle types. To maximise vocabulary acquisition, the paper recommends that learners should be exposed to repeated input. The repetition should be comprehensible and to reach a comprehensible input, subtitles could be then considered. Overall, L1 subtitles are preferred for low proficiency learners whilst L2 subtitles could be geared towards high proficiency learners since the aim behind watching movies in the target language is to have a comprehensible input. Nonetheless, different subtitles should be used to facilitate the meaning and not as a final tool of acquiring new vocabulary as this acquisition will take place with repetition. Thus, the current paper could form a starting point in an approach that lays emphasis on repetition in movies watching rather than using a particular type of subtitle.
Keywords: comprehensible input, netflix, subtitles to learn the second language, visual materials, word repetition

Cite as:   Alharthi, A.A. (2018). How to Use L2 Movies Effectively to Learn New Vocabulary: A New Theoretical Perspective. Arab World English Journal (AWEJ) Special Issue on CALL (4)

 DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.24093/awej/call4.14

Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
Tumblr
Reddit
Email
StumbleUpon
Digg
https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2803-167X
https://dx.doi.org/10.24093/awej/call4.14

Abdulrahman Alharthi is a lecturer at King Abdulaziz University, Saudi
Arabia. He has MA in Applied Linguistics from the University of Nottingham in the UK and a
Bachelor degree in English Language from King Abdulaziz University. Abdulrahman’s research
interests include language assessment in ELT, ESP/EAP, vocabulary acquisition, listening skill,
and SLA. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2803-167X