Seminar on “Learning from multimedia audiovisual input: Insights from eye-tracking”

Language input is crucial for language acquisition, and extensive viewing—exposure to large amounts of audiovisual input, such as TV series and movies—can provide the necessary L2 input (Webb, 2014). Research shows that watching TV in the target language enhances L2 proficiency, particularly vocabulary, grammar, and listening comprehension (Montero Perez, 2022). Subtitles have also been studied for their role in supporting this process, with a focus on L1 and L2 combinations (Liao et al., 2020). However, with increasing multilingualism, learners now encounter diverse input modes, such as L2 audio paired with L3 subtitles. This talk explores this multilingual turn in audiovisual input research (Pattemore et al., 2024). Findings from three eye-tracking experiments on learning L3 Dutch while watching Dutch TV will be presented. The first study examines L3 Dutch and L2 English acquisition from TV with L2 English audio and L3 Dutch subtitles. The second investigates the impact of textual enhancement on L3 vocabulary learning with the same setup. The third explores vocabulary acquisition from L3 Dutch audio with dual L2 English and L3 Dutch subtitles. This talk offers valuable insights for students and researchers on the design and interpretation of audiovisual input studies.