Abstract
In this paper we examine the influence of text editing (edited vs. verbatim subtitles) and subtitle presentation rates (12 vs. 15 characters per second) on the comprehension and reading patterns of interlingual and intralingual subtitles among a group of 44 deaf, 33 hard of hearing and 60 hearing Polish adult subjects. The results of the eyetracking study show no benefit of editing down the text of subtitles, particularly in the case of intralingual subtitling and deaf viewers. Verbatim subtitles displayed with the higher presentation rate yielded slightly better comprehension results, were skipped less often, and resulted in more effective reading patterns. Deaf and hard of hearing participants had lower comprehension than hearing people; they also had a higher number of fixations per subtitle and were found to dwell on subtitles longer than the hearing.
Highlights
In recent years we have witnessed an impressive growth in the use of subtitling
The differences between the two presentation rates did not reach statistical significance, we need to note that in the case of intralingual subtitles the comprehension scores were higher for all groups of participants in the verbatim condition (15 cps) than in the edited condition (12 cps)
As regards differences in eyetracking measures between the two presentation rates, we found that the number of glances from the image to the subtitle area was higher in the case of edited subtitles than in the case of verbatim subtitles – despite 15 cps subtitles being displayed longer as they contained more text
Summary
Thanks to technological advancements and accessibility legislation, its widespread use has resulted in an increased exposure of viewers to this mode of audiovisual translation. This proliferation of the mode necessitates more up-todate research on how subtitles are read and processed. The rate largely depends on the reading abilities of the expected target audience of a subtitled programme. Children’s cartoons will have lower subtitle presentation rates than programmes for adult viewers. Subtitles are typically presented at the rate that will be within the reading ability of the largest possible number of viewers. Subtitles are typically presented at the rate that will be within the reading ability of the largest possible number of viewers. Pedersen (2011:133) quotes Akerberg, employee at SVT, Swedish public service broadcaster, as claiming that their goal is to make subtitles that “even every little old woman in every rural cottage” has time to read
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