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Original poster

Does anyone else use subtitles all the time?

177 replies

JellyTots2009 · 03/10/2021 17:18

So since I was a teen I use subtitles when watching tv constantly.
I was watching a dvd at my dads when I was a teen and he said ' why have you got subtitles on?' And it only clicked then that it's not the norm.

I know that it is usually for people hard of hearing but I just feel content knowing I can read what they are saying. If someone has a strong accent I always know I can read what they are saying.

People even say how can you read and watch? Well I take a second to glance at the words then take it in and it's easy to follow the story still.

I've not stopped since my teens and my partner is used to it now.

Does anyone else rely on subtitles?

OP posts:
Rubyupbeat · 03/10/2021 20:41

We do, my son is Deaf and even though he has his own home now we still use them.
I actually find it difficult if they are not on, I also have perfect hearing.

Minnie747 · 03/10/2021 20:42

Yes! Often, don’t remember when it started.

PileOfBooks · 03/10/2021 20:44

I always do this. Interesting about processing issues/backgriund noise.

I have long wondered if I was autistic/adhd...

PileOfBooks · 03/10/2021 20:45

Im faceblind as well so love that you ca npause and it tells you who they all are 😁

FlexibleGiraffe · 03/10/2021 20:46

Me too. A lot of actors mumble so otherwise I end up with the volume too high.
Funnily enough the I find older films clearer than recent stuff and often don't need them then (yes I'm old!)

residentkaleidoscope · 03/10/2021 20:46

Always have them on if watching something alone.

Belledan1 · 03/10/2021 20:49

Yes I do. I dont sleep great so watch tv at silly o'clock so telly is quiet in the living room. Bit dead too. Like it on when watching anytime. Have noticed some programmes on catch up dont always have them.

cherrypiepie · 03/10/2021 20:55

Yes I like subtitles! I can pick out the unusual or specialist words more easily.

Today I learnt the word "Hussars" on downton. Which I had heard before but had no idea how it was spelt and the precise meaning. And I've been binge watching downtown and some of Maggie smiths lines are amazing seeing them written down too.

I love words. I've done it for years though started so I can watch things if there is background noise/ conversation. Have it it on quiet or silent in my phone.

I didn't realise it was so divisive but husband can't tolerate them! Weird

BadPlaceJanet · 03/10/2021 21:16

I'm a subtitler and have loved reading this thread Smile

I too had the subs on all the time even before I did it for a living, due to noisy house / mumbling actors / quiet dialogue and loud explosions.

Now I really notice when the subs aren't so good or when they go wrong!

MrsRobbieHart · 03/10/2021 21:18

@rainbowandglitter

No I've never used them. How do you watch what's going on if you're reading subtitles the whole time?
The same way you do when the show is in a different language.
MrsSkylerWhite · 03/10/2021 21:20

No. Heard recently though that having them on can really help kids with their reading and also people for whom English is not their first language to improve. Makes sense to me.
Sorry, as you were Grin

Rummikub · 03/10/2021 21:20

@BadPlaceJanet

I'm a subtitler and have loved reading this thread Smile

I too had the subs on all the time even before I did it for a living, due to noisy house / mumbling actors / quiet dialogue and loud explosions.

Now I really notice when the subs aren't so good or when they go wrong!

How does it happen? I used to imagine someone typing furiously, And used to like seeing the errors and corrections.
Clarice99 · 03/10/2021 21:24

I've lost most of my hearing and can't watch TV without subtitles.

jmh740 · 03/10/2021 21:30

I always do

BadPlaceJanet · 03/10/2021 21:31

How does it happen?
I used to imagine someone typing furiously,
And used to like seeing the errors and corrections.

For live subs (when you see them scrolling and errors occurring) it's either a stenographer (not me) or a respeaker (me) - we use voice recognition software to repeat everything that's being said in a sort of clear monotone. It's actually a lot of fun. We train in special words and names as needed. We also have to insert punctuation as we go.

HopingForOurRainbowBaby · 03/10/2021 21:41

Yeah all the time. I tend to watch a lot of Japanese films and Anime though. I do find BBC sometimes isn't in sync with certain things such as the news so I find that a bit irritating waiting for it to catch up with itself

Pantsomime · 03/10/2021 21:48

Yes - why do tv people make the music louder than the actor voices?

CoasterCoaster · 03/10/2021 21:49

I think that would be my dream job BadPlaceJanet! If you fancy sharing any info about how you got into it I'd love to know Smile

SquigglePigs · 03/10/2021 21:53

Yes we do. I much prefer it. I have to turn them off if we're watching with my parents though as they hate it.

nodogz · 03/10/2021 22:07

Always liked subtitles. As others have said it can mean it assists auditory processing like for adhd (suspected for me) and autism.

I've always watched loads of foreign tv and films and I think my love of subtitles encouraged this. I don't like things dubbed either.

My kid prefers them too but partner hates it (slow reader!)

Fupoffyagrasshole · 03/10/2021 22:18

Never did until recently now my baby is 6 months old and she’s so loud I can’t hear the tv anymore 😂😂 and our flats Tiny so at night need tv to be low volume so subtitles help massively

Rummikub · 03/10/2021 22:27

@BadPlaceJanet

How does it happen? I used to imagine someone typing furiously, And used to like seeing the errors and corrections.

For live subs (when you see them scrolling and errors occurring) it's either a stenographer (not me) or a respeaker (me) - we use voice recognition software to repeat everything that's being said in a sort of clear monotone. It's actually a lot of fun. We train in special words and names as needed. We also have to insert punctuation as we go.

That’s really interesting. I never imagined it would involve repeating the words clearly.

Extra stress re punctuation!

MouseholeCat · 03/10/2021 22:35

Yes, we do! I find I miss more if I don't have them on. I find a lot of programmes either have mumbly actors or the background music will be too loud.

mummabubs · 03/10/2021 22:49

Yup. My sister is Deaf so I always had them on growing up. When I met my husband I introduced him to them and now he can't watch telly without them either! 😁

RainCloude · 03/10/2021 22:51

Yes for American, Scottish and Liverpudlian actors