TITLE: THE IMPACT OF MOVIE SUBTITLES ON LEARNING ABILITY AND COMPREHENSION

This article examines the impact of movie subtitles on learning ability and comprehension, particularly in the context of listening comprehension skills. Recent research findings are presented to shed light on the effectiveness of subtitles in aiding language learners. A study with Iranian intermediate learners reveals that subtitles can improve listening comprehension, although the results vary when assessed through different measures such as multiple choice tests and comprehensive language proficiency tests like IELTS. Translation is identified as an effective means to enhance learning ability, and the distinction between learning listening and speaking skills is emphasized. Additionally, the phenomenon of delayed exposure is explored, indicating that subtitles can continue to influence comprehension even after the associated audio has been heard. The article also discusses the importance of prolonged exposure to enhance comprehension. Ultimately, the findings suggest that movie subtitles play a significant role in language learning, and further research is needed to optimize their utilization in different learning contexts.