The development of academic and plain English parallel word lists and subtitles for undergraduate students

Abstract

Subtitles in tertiary education can enhance language inclusivity. This study compares the effectiveness of academic versus plain English subtitles in discipline-specific videos, using a corpus-based approach to create and evaluate word lists. The findings suggest that plain English subtitles, supported by word lists, clarify scientific terms, especially when following subtitling conventions. However, adjustments are needed when plain English subtitles deviate from these conventions. Additionally, academic subtitles often contain complex terms in Latin and Greek, making a parallel plain English word list essential for aiding students in specialised fields.