Subtitling Preferences of Film Audiences. A Cross-cultural Survey

Abstract

Despite growing interest in subtitling, research on how audiences from diverse linguistic and cultural backgrounds perceive and prefer subtitles remains limited. This cross-cultural study explores subtitling preferences among film audiences in Iran, Afghanistan, Malaysia, China, Hungary, and India. Drawing on established subtitling standards, we developed a questionnaire completed by 297 respondents to examine preferences for subtitle format, translation strategies, cultural adaptations, paralinguistic elements, and technical aspects. Findings reveal a strong preference for center-aligned, two-line subtitles with a foreignized translation approach that retains source culture elements. Audiences also valued subtitles with clear explanations of cultural references, appreciating a foreign flavor. These insights inform the practice and teaching of subtitling across linguistic and cultural boundaries.