Challenging the Claim that bi-Modal Input Improves Listening Comprehension

Challenging the Claim that bi-Modal Input Improves Listening Comprehension

Juma Charles, Tendai

Research investigating the effects of bi-modal input [the simultaneous presentation of orthographic and aural information] on L2 listening comprehension claims: (a) that watching interlingual subtitled audiovisual (AV) material [L2 audio with L1 text] results in better L2 listening comprehension than non-subtitled AV material (Bird and Williams, 2002); (b) that watching intralingual subtitled AV material [L2 audio with L2 text] results in better L2 listening comprehension than interlingual subtitled AV material (Markham et al., 2001); and (c) that watching any form of subtitled AV material enhances L2 listening comprehension (Vanderplank, 1988). I would argue that most published research in this area lacks ‘test construct validity’; they either fail to accurately test listening comprehension appropriately, or the duration of their experiments are so short that any claims of long-term improvements to an individual’s listening ability must be investigated further. I propose an innovative approach to testing the claim that bi-modal input enhances listening comprehension, by specifically investigating its possible long-term effects. The process of developing this test includes a pre-pilot study (completed), a pilot study (currently in progress), and a main study (to be started). In this paper, I present the findings of my pre-pilot study, in which I investigated the ability of 11 participants to listen to audio excerpts spoken in a standard British RP accent from six different types of AV materials [documentary, film, lecture, news report, sitcom, stand-up comedy], through the use of a listening test. I then test another 11 participants on their ability to listen to audio excerpts spoken in an RP accent from one specific AV medium [documentary]. My findings suggest that for the sample tested [international university students in the UK] BBC documentaries may be the most appropriate form of AV material to be used during the pilot study as it was the one form which was understood by all participants to a reasonable level.

Conference or Workshop Item
PeerReviewed

2012-05

1018