Proof is in improved reading: same language subtitling on television in India

Abstract

One - third of India's 7+ Population is literate, one - third non - literate, and one - third very partially literate. In declarations of literacy rates, the 285 million very partially literate people are counted as literate even though they can barely read a newsaper or write a letter. While the National Literacy Mission continuesto geneate millions f partially literate people, the transition from partial to irreversible literacy has vexed planners. Unless reading transactions are inextricably woven in everyday life.. stagnation at low skill levels and a slide back into non - literacy are to be expected, causing the nation considerable wastage in effort and resources. Same Language Subtitling (SLS) is a simple, powerful, and extremely economical idea with the potential to introduce reading practice in everyday television entertainment. its recommendation is to suitable the lyrics of all the film songs and music - videos shown nationally, in the same language as the audio. Earlier studies have shown that the idea enhances entertainment and enjoys overwhelming popularity with viewers. There is also evidence from a controlled experiment with school childern that SLS can contribute to reading skill improvement. The present study assesses the impact of SLS on reading improvement by implementing the idea on a television program of Gujarati film songs. The result provide strong support for the possible contribution of SLS to mass reading skill improvement. Although support for SLS from research and viewer feedback has been mounting, the idea has not yet caught the imagination of policy - makers. Hurdels to implementation are discussed.