Enhancing Korean EFL Learners’ Vocabulary Learning  and Listening Comprehension Through Video Captions

Kang, Eunyoung

doi:2019.20.2.91

J Eng Teach Movie Media > Volume 20(2); 2019 > Article

Article

Journal of English Teaching through Movies and Media 2019;20(2):91-108.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.16875/stem.2019.20.2.91 Published online April 30, 2019.

Enhancing Korean EFL Learners’ Vocabulary Learning and Listening Comprehension Through Video Captions

Eunyoung Kang

Abstract

This study examined the effects of captions on Korean EFL learners’ listening comprehension and vocabulary learning. 66 students from two intact classes at a public high school were randomly assigned to (i) the captioned (n = 33) or (ii) the uncaptioned viewing condition (n = 33). Both groups of participants watched two video clips twice. A multiple-choice comprehension test was administered immediately after the second viewing of each clip. After the participants finished watching the second video and completed the relevant comprehension test, they completed vocabulary tests. The results showed that the caption group performed significantly better on the listening comprehension test than the comparison group did. This study also found that captions were beneficial for vocabulary learning as compared to no captions. Specifically, captions were found to have positive effects on the learning of several aspects of vocabulary knowledge, including (i) word-form recognition, (ii) meaning recognition, and (iii) meaning recall. Watching captioned videos appears to supply textual support for language learners concerning what they heard in the videos, consequently increasing their comprehension of the information presented. In addition, imagery support provided by video input and textual information from captions seems to enhance L2 vocabulary learning.