Subtitles for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (SDH) for Vocabulary Learning Among the Deaf Students

Abstract

The integration of information and communication technology (ICT) such as audiovisual translation (AVT) in language learning has provided educators with a competitive pedagogical platform. Utilizing AVT diverse modes (subtitling, dubbing, audio description) could improve specific learning areas such as vocabulary acquisition, listening comprehension, pronunciation, and intercultural awareness. Multimedia instructional materials should be designed in a way that is compatible with how individuals learn and process the information, thus helping them learn through audio and visual channels. Access to the information that is communicated in audiovisual products should be made available to deaf people as it is of the utmost importance. On the other hand, the complexity of audiovisual products might be difficult for these viewers to comprehend them. This paper discusses the approaches taken by pioneering countries that are well-known for their work in the field of subtitling, to create subtitles for deaf people (known as SDH). A better understanding of subtitling for people with hearing impairments can guide subtitles makers to produce materials which fulfil the need of deaf people and their access to audiovisual materials. The parameters and strategies discussed are the guidelines for the researcher(s) to prepare a video with subtitles for deaf students to learn vocabulary and feedback from teachers teaching the deaf is seek for improvement.