Netflix Experiments with Subtitles to Boost Literacy
Netflix has experimented with turning subtitles on automatically for children’s shows in a bid to boost literacy among youngsters.
It is one of a handful of streaming giants that has been persuaded of the benefits of same-language subtitles for improving children’s reading skills and learning.
“Recent studies have shown that when children watch TV with subtitles on, it dramatically improves their literacy,” said Henry Warren of the “Turn On The Subtitles” campaign.
“In fact, it can double the chances of children becoming proficient readers, and it’s completely free.”
He said that the average child watches 11.8 hours a week of television and even this has likely risen in the past year due to Covid, making it the perfect medium to subtly boost youngsters’ literacy skills.
A number of international studies have demonstrated over the past decade that children who watch television with subtitles are more likely to improve their reading skills than those who did not.
Some of the most extensive research has been carried out in India, where an official Government project called PlanetRead studied children from low-income families in rural Delhi watching cartoons with and without subtitles in Hindi.
Researchers found that the average reading score of children watching with subtitles was 70 per cent higher than those who watched without.
Vocabulary
experimented with – tried doing something new or different to see what the result would be, “The chef experimented with adding unusual spices to the soup recipe.”
subtitles – words shown at the bottom of a cinema or television screen that write out what the characters are saying, “I turned on the subtitles because the characters were speaking too softly.”
automatically – happening by itself through a machine or computer program, without a person needing to control it, “The modern doors open automatically when you walk up to them.”
in a bid to – in an attempt to do something, or in order to achieve a specific goal, “She woke up early in a bid to finish her homework before school started.”
boost – to improve, increase, or encourage something to become higher or better, “Drinking a large glass of water can help boost your energy levels.”
literacy – the ability to read and write successfully, “The school started a new reading club to help improve child literacy.”
youngsters – children, young people, or teenagers, “The park was filled with youngsters playing soccer and riding bicycles.”
a handful of – a very small number of people or things, “Only a handful of students stayed behind to ask the teacher extra questions.”
streaming giants – very large, popular, and powerful companies that provide movies, TV shows, or music over the internet, “Netflix and Disney+ are two of the biggest streaming giants in the entertainment world.”
persuaded – convinced someone to do or believe something by giving them good reasons and evidence, “My brother persuaded me to join the gym with him.”
benefits – good results, advantages, or helpful effects that you get from something, “One of the major benefits of exercising is having a stronger body.”
dramatically – in a sudden, very noticeable, and impressive way, “The temperature dropped dramatically as soon as the dark rain clouds arrived.”
double the chances – to make it twice as likely that a specific event or success will happen, “Studying every single day will double the chances of passing your final exam.”
proficient – skilled, expert, or very good at doing something because you have practiced it a lot, “After taking lessons for three years, she became a proficient piano player.”
average – typical, normal, or the usual amount of something, “The average student spends about an hour on homework each night.”
medium – a specific method, tool, or way of expressing, communicating, or sharing information, “Television is a powerful medium for sharing daily news with millions of people.”
subtly – in a quiet, clever, or indirect way that is not easily or immediately noticed by others, “She subtly changed the topic of conversation when he started to get upset.”
demonstrated – showed clearly or proved that something is true by using examples or evidence, “The scientist demonstrated how the new engine works using a small model.”
over the past decade – during the period of the last ten years, “Smartphones have changed our daily lives completely over the past decade.”
extensive research – a very deep, detailed, and thorough study or investigation into a specific subject, “Doctors did extensive research for years to find a cure for the illness.”
carried out – did, performed, or completed a task, test, job, or project, “The construction workers carried out the building repairs safely.”
low-income families – households or families that earn very little money and may struggle to afford basic goods, “The community center provides free holiday toys to children from low-income families.”
rural – relating to the countryside, far away from big towns, cities, or crowded residential areas, “They decided to buy a small house in a quiet, rural area surrounded by fields.”