Sunday 6 April 2008

Maybe TV Isn't So Bad After All

An old, but interesting link that I just came across:
[Planet read has ] developed a “Same-Language Subtitling” (SLS) methodology,
which provides automatic reading practice to individuals who are excluded from the traditional educational system, or whose literacy needs are otherwise not being met. This is an educational program rooted in mass media that demonstrates how a specific literacy intervention can yield outstanding, measurable results, while complementing other formal and non-formal learning initiatives of the government, private sector, and civil society.
This paper provides evidence that SLS is an effective technique to improve reading skills. In China, virtually every TV program, even those in standard Chinese, is subtitled. I always assumed that the subtitles were added to avoid confusion over the multitude of accents, but after reading this it seems more likely that improving literacy levels is the actual intent.

3 comments:

dimij said...

SLS is the solution to all travellers around the world and can be found at www.sls.gr and www.sls.travel

Meryem E. Faris said...

I noticed this when I was learning English: Subtitles both helped me for spellings as well as to figure out what people were saying when their accent was too strong.

mediamovers said...

Same language subtitling(SLS) is one of essential way to educate people.

But wrong text/adaption can be deterrent to such process.

To ensure this success is replicated across India there has to be precise quality check at levels which demands professionals in huge numbers.
With more training & support from corporate & government Closed-Captioning should also be made implemented in countries like India for the deaf/heard of hearing population.


Media Movers, Inc.