Abstract
Didactic subtitling is a relatively new area of investigation that is undergoing
a surge in popularity. By bringing together findings from Audiovisual
Translation (AVT), Second Language Acquisition (SLA) and psycholinguistics, some
theoretical issues related to the practice of subtitle creation in Foreign
Language Learning (FLL) are appraised. The article introduces Task-Based
Learning and Teaching (TBLT) and reflects on what didactic subtitling can and
cannot offer to TBLT approaches. In a still predominantly communicative era,
language researchers are questioning the effectiveness of
entirely communicative approaches to FLL. Many support the
idea that, if successful learning is to be achieved, some Form-Focused
Instruction (FFI) is needed. This article reviews relevant FFI literature, and
explores how far active subtitling can provide an effective strategy for
focussing on form that leads to communicative language development. In doing so,
concepts such as noticing, skill development, interaction, pushed output and
consciousness-raising are addressed. It is argued that a combination of
task-based and form-focused instruction in the subtitling classroom can have
great potential and should be investigated further, both theoretically and
empirically.