Learning ESL through AVT: A Case Study Cover Image

Learning ESL through AVT: A Case Study
Learning ESL through AVT: A Case Study

Author(s): Patrizia Giampieri
Subject(s): Foreign languages learning, Translation Studies
Published by: Kauno Technologijos Universitetas
Keywords: audiovisual translation;dubbing; English as a second language; learning ESL; language- centred lessons;

Summary/Abstract: It is claimed that watching films is a good way to improve a second language (L2), because it is an enjoyable activity. Furthermore, films expose to instances of real-life language, which is what L2 learners often lack. This paper is aimed at exploring how a selection of film sequences in the original and dubbed versions can be used as teaching materials to involve, motivate and amuse students. To this aim, this paper presents a case study carried out with 11th grade students, who participated in a workshop and watched film sequences in both the original and dubbed versions. The film excerpts were selected on the basis of their effective or ineffective renderings in the target language (Italian). Students watched the excerpts and were prompted to find instances of accurate or inaccurate audiovisual translations (AVT). Sometimes they were asked to suggest coherent renderings, especially when the dubbed utterances were imprecise and/or sounded unnatural. In this way, students increased their language awareness; they learnt the expressions which hallmark spoken language, and became acquainted with translation challenges. At the end of the lesson, students filled in a questionnaire. The paper findings highlight that not only did students find the lesson enjoyable and interesting, but they also perceived their L2 proficiency as increased.

  • Issue Year: 2018
  • Issue No: 33
  • Page Range: 33-42
  • Page Count: 10
  • Language: English