Justificación teórico-práctica del uso de los subtítulos en la enseñanza-aprendizaje de lenguas extranjeras

This paper offers a theoretical basis that justifies the benefits provided by the pedagogical use of subtitles in foreign-language education in general, and in the enhancement of oral comprehension skills in particular. Also, a series of elements relevant for the practical use of this didactic resource are explained. Since each type of subtitles (subtitles for the deaf and hard of hearing, bimodal subtitles, traditional subtitles, and reversed subtitles) offers diverse didactic possibilities, it is essential to be familiar with them. Similarly, the teacher and the students’ roles must be well defined to achieve an efficient flow of the pedagogical tasks that make use of this resource. Finally, the possible benefits and limitations of this pedagogical use of subtitles need to be known in order to adapt it to the different didactic contexts