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Subtitles Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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subtitles

[ˈsʌbˌtaɪtlz ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

media text

Subtitles are the text displayed at the bottom of a screen that translates or transcribes the dialogue spoken in a film, television show, or video. They can also include information about sound, such as music or sound effects, for the hearing impaired.

Synonyms

captions, dialogue text, transcripts.

Examples of usage

  • I turned on the subtitles to understand the foreign film better.
  • The subtitles were helpful for viewers who are hard of hearing.
  • She prefers watching movies with subtitles in her native language.
  • The streaming service offers subtitles in multiple languages.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Historical Origins

  • The use of written words alongside films began in the early 1900s to help audiences understand foreign films.
  • In the 1950s, technology advancements allowed subtitles to be more accessible to audiences worldwide.
  • The term 'subtitle' comes from the Latin word 'subtitulus', meaning 'the title underneath'.

Technology

  • Modern streaming services often offer multiple subtitle options in different languages, making films accessible to a global audience.
  • AI technology is now being used to create real-time subtitles, especially for live events and broadcasts.
  • The evolution of smartphone apps has enabled viewers to easily download and sync subtitles with videos.

Culture

  • Subtitled films have gained popularity in non-English speaking countries through the international film circuit, promoting cultural exchange.
  • Watching subtitled content can enhance language learning by exposing viewers to native pronunciation and vocabulary.
  • Film festivals around the world often showcase subtitled films to cater to diverse audiences and cater to linguistic variety.

Psychology

  • Studies show that people who read subtitles tend to have improved reading speed and comprehension skills.
  • Subtitles can aid in attention and focus, as viewers simultaneously engage with visual and textual information.
  • The presence of subtitles may alter emotional responses to a scene, as they enable deeper understanding of dialogue.

Literature

  • The evolution of subtitles reflects the adaptations required in storytelling to reach broader audiences.
  • Many literary adaptations to film use subtitles to preserve the original dialogue that may contain cultural nuances.
  • Subtitles can add another layer to the narrative, enabling viewers to grasp subtle jokes or references that might be lost in translation.

Origin of 'subtitles'

The word 'subtitle' has its origins in the early 20th century, combining the prefix 'sub-' meaning 'under' or 'below' with 'title', referring to titles of films or television shows. The concept became increasingly relevant with the advent of film technology, where dialogue in foreign languages required translation for audiences. The first known use of the term subtitles can be traced back to the 1920s when they were primarily used in silent films to provide dialogue and descriptions. Over time, as films transitioned to sound, subtitles also evolved to accommodate spoken dialogue in various languages, facilitating international cinema and making films accessible to a broader audience. In the digital age, subtitles have taken on new forms, including closed captions that provide additional information for those who may be deaf or hard of hearing, thus enhancing the viewing experience across diverse populations.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #26,285, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.