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Varied Pace of Subtitles in Visual Media

The speed at which subtitles appear on screen can significantly impact the viewer’s experience. In children’s television, dialogue is often slow, facilitating easier comprehension. Nature documentaries also adopt a leisurely pace, allowing audiences to appreciate stunning visuals of wildlife and landscapes. Conversely, rapid speech is common in fast-paced environments such as weather updates or dynamic discussions in soap operas.

Subtitles may sometimes appear unintentionally fast or slow due to technical glitches or human error. Subtitlers might pause to correct mistakes, leading to discrepancies in timing. Guidelines have been established to regulate subtitle speed, with a recommended maximum of 160 to 180 words per minute (WPM). Exceeding 200 WPM could challenge viewers’ ability to follow the content. This raises questions about the research that informed these guidelines.

The Evolution of Subtitle Guidelines and User Experience

Until the 1990s, efforts to improve subtitling focused primarily on technical aspects such as production, transmission, and display. The affordability of subtitle technology broadened its accessibility, prompting the need for standardized rules. These rules were initially guided by artistic considerations and technical limitations, influenced by audience feedback and subtitlers’ stylistic choices.

As the field of User Experience gained prominence, researchers sought to apply scientific rigor to subtitle guidelines. Rapidly appearing text can hinder comprehension, leading to a need for systematic studies. During the 1990s and 2000s, various studies explored subtitle comprehension at different speeds. Participants watched videos with varying subtitle rates and answered questions about the content to gauge understanding.

Exploring Comprehension and Enjoyment in Subtitling Studies

These studies revealed that subtitle speed had minimal impact on comprehension. Some experiments involved slow-moving visuals with no audio, ensuring subtitles were the primary factor influencing responses. However, this approach was criticized for its artificiality. Alternative studies used broadcast programming, asking questions unrelated to the imagery, presented without sound. Most findings indicated that subtitle rate had little effect on comprehension.

One study reported an effect, but it used a limited number of videos susceptible to external influences. These videos featured live subtitles, known for their lower quality, and participants were affiliated with the researcher’s institution, aware of the study’s purpose. Other research during this period examined enjoyment at various subtitle rates, asking viewers to rate their enjoyment and assess subtitle speed.

Insights into Preferred Subtitle Speeds and Viewer Preferences

One study found viewers preferred a rate of 145 WPM, with 9% considering 170 WPM too fast, rising to 28% at 200 WPM. Another study asked participants to report their enjoyment and reading ability, revealing a preference for slower subtitles despite the capability to read faster. However, this study lacked detailed data to support its claims.

Previous research indicated that subtitle rate had little effect on comprehension, with optimal enjoyment at around 145 WPM. Despite these insights, issues persisted. The content used in studies was often unnatural, excluding audio and relying solely on subtitles. This approach did not accurately reflect real-world viewing experiences.

The Need for Comprehensive User Studies and Realistic Content

Most subtitle users have some hearing ability, combining it with subtitles for enhanced understanding. Others rely on lip-reading alongside subtitles. Previous studies restricted these sources of information, failing to capture real-world enjoyment. Additionally, comparisons between hearing-impaired participants and those with normal hearing were absent, lacking a scientific control group.

Addressing the question of optimal subtitle speed necessitated new research. A controlled study was designed, considering both block and word-at-a-time subtitles, the two prevalent subtitling methods. Natural material was used.