International Film and Audio-Visual Translation - Intercultural Experience as Moderator in Audience Recall and Enjoyment

Abstract

This study examines cognitive and affective outcomes of exposure to subtitled vs. dubbed international film content. Past research has investigated issues of valid language translation, the challenges of cultural reference transference, and the benefits of subtitling for foreign language learning. Based on previous research (e.g., Wissmath, Weibel, & Groner 2009), this study queried whether recall and enjoyment outcomes differ between subtitled and dubbed versions of the same filmic content. Results show no superiority of either version in simple outcomes; however, significant interactions demonstrate the moderating impact of intercultural experience constructs. Specifically, those spectators with family foreign language experience have higher visual and dialogue recall outcomes with subtitling, and those with greater cosmopolite contact report greater enjoyment with subtitling.