(In)visibility of Spanish Language Variation in Closed Captions Presented in the Netflix Show La Firma
MacKenzie Lewis
Undergraduate Researcher
Liberal Studies Major (College of Arts & Sciences)
Alana Gill
Undergraduate Researcher
Psychology Major (College of Arts & Sciences)
Leslie Del Carpio
Faculty Mentor
Leslie Del Carpio (College of Arts & Sciences)
Project Description
This research project conducts a linguistic analysis of the Netflix show La Firma (The Signing). The analysis focuses on highlighting the (mis)matches between the rich linguistic variation embodied by all participants in the show with the contrasting close captioning provided by the streaming service. This reality competition showcases Spanish speakers from various Spanish speaking countries such as Puerto Rico, Perú, Argentina, United States, Colombia, México, Chile. All of these Spanish varieties have linguistic features that can be unique to them and through this study, we can observe if or how they are being presented in the closed captioning of the show. In addition, we will theorize what are the social implications of their (in)visibility.
Technology or Computational Component
The student will learn to use a language learning browser extension to extract and download subtitles. Part of the analysis also includes comparing and contrasting the audio of the show with these subtitles. Lastly, the data is put into excel and then analyzed and visualized through R.