The Effects of Regular and Enhanced Captions on Incidental Vocabulary Acquisition

Abstract

[eng] This study explores the effects of regular and enhanced captions through short exposure to a documentary on incidental vocabulary acquisition by L1-Spanish/Catalan learners of English. This research work also analyses how the potential vocabulary learning might be affected by individual differences such as previous vocabulary knowledge or language learning aptitude as measured by the LLAMA B and D subtests. Two randomly distributed groups were formed. Group 1 was provided with regular captions, whereas group 2 viewed the same audio-visual material with enhanced captions. Vocabulary gains were assessed through pre-, immediate post- and delayed post-tests that tapped into meaning recall, meaning recognition and form recognition knowledge. Results showed a significant advantage of enhanced captions over regular captions only in within-group scores. Vocabulary size emerged as the most significant predictor, whereas LLAMA B and D had a non-significant contribution. Level of proficiency in which participants were enrolled at the language school had a significant interaction with time at testing for meaning recall, regardless of experimental condition. Retrospective questionnaires on participants’ focus of attention reported an almost unanimous emphasis on captions and comprehension. Participants from the EC group described mixed opinions about the amount of distraction typographically enhanced items provoked in their attention.