Subtitle Edit vs. Aegisub:
A Comparative Study in the Persian Subtitling Classroom
Abstract
This study compares Subtitle Edit and Aegisub to identify the optimal subtitle software and investigates the correlation between participants' theoretical knowledge of subtitling and their practical software competency, providing insights for academic and professional use. Guided by a task-based approach and framed within Kirkpatrick’s Model of Evaluation, the research involved 31 translation students who underwent a structured three-phase training program. The participants received theoretical instruction, followed by hands-on practice with both software tools. Data were collected through performance assessments, subtitling tasks, and a validated questionnaire. The results revealed that Subtitle Edit significantly outperformed Aegisub in educational potential and user-friendliness, with higher scores in professionalism and interface intuitiveness. Additionally, a positive correlation was found between theoretical knowledge and practical subtitling performance. The findings advocate for the prioritization of Subtitle Edit in academic settings due to its enhanced pedagogical utility and alignment with industry standards, offering valuable insights for curriculum design and translator training.
References
Agulló, B. (2020). Technology for subtitling: A 360-degree turn. Hermēneus. Revista de Traducción e Interpretación, 22, 11–40. https://doi.org/10.24197/her.22.2020.11-40
Alaboud, A. (2024). The role of subtitling software in constructing prospective translators’ translation experiences: An activity theory perspective. Dragoman Journal of Translation Studies, 14(15), 207–230. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/380164531
Ávila-Cabrera, J. J., & Talaván Zanón, N. (2021). Creating collaborative subtitling communities to increase access to audiovisual materials in academia. The Interpreter and Translator Trainer, 15(1), 118–135. https://doi.org/10.1080/1750399X.2021.1880305
Asmawati, A. (2020). The students’ problems using Aegisub to make subtitle of English-Indonesian movie. English Language Teaching for EFL Learners Journal, 2(1), 46–53. https://doi.org/10.24252/elties.v2i1.12861
Basari, A., & Nugroho, R. A. (2017). The use of Aegisub in teaching audiovisual translation classes: A review on IT-based subtitling course. Jurnal UNISSULA, 1(1), 49–56. https://jurnal.unissula.ac.id/index.php/ELIC/article/download/1210/919
Bekafigo, A. (2022). A comparison of the educational potential of professional cloud-based and free, standalone desktop-based subtitling tools. Hieronymus: Journal of Translation Studies and Terminology, 9, 1–34. https://doi.org/10.17234/Hieronymus.9.1
Bolaños-García-Escribano, A. (2024). Untapping the potential of cloud subtitling in audiovisual translator education: A pilot study. Cadernos de Tradução, 44(1), 1-24. https://doi.org/10.5007/2175-7968.2024.e93727
Daneshgar, Z. (2019). Exploring applicability of subtitling software programs in the Iranian AVT context [Master’s thesis, Imam Reza International University]. Irandoc Ganj Archive.
Díaz-Cintas, J. & Remael, A. (2020). Subtitling: Concepts and practices. Routledge.
Hurtado Albir, A. (2017). Researching translation competence by PACTE Group. John Benjamins Publishing Company.
Khoshsaligheh, M., & Ameri, S. (2017). Didactics of audiovisual translation in Iran so far: Prospects and solutions. In National conference on interdisciplinary approaches to translation education. https://doi.org/10.22067/lts.v52i1.84943
Kirkpatrick, D. L., & Kirkpatrick, J. (2006). Evaluating training programs: The four levels. Berrett-Koehler Publishers, Inc. https://tms.iau.ir/file/download/page/ 1636267710-evaluating-training-programs-krick-patrick.pdf
Munday, J. (2016). Introducing translation studies: Theories and applications (4th ed.), Routledge.
Murphy, F. B. (2013). Open-source subtitle editor software study for Section 508 close caption applications, 1–11. NASA. John F. Kennedy Space Center. https://ntrs.nasa.gov/api/citations/20140002618/downloads/20140002618.pdf
Rothwell, A., Moorkens, J., Fernández-Parra, M., Drugan, J., & Austermuehl, F. (2023). Translation tools and technologies. Routledge.
Saldanha, G., & O'Brien, S. (2014). Research methodologies in translation studies. (1st ed.), Routledge.
Downloads
Published
How to Cite
Issue
Section
DOR
License
Copyright (c) 2026 Ali Shojaee, Sima Ferdowsi
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License.
Copyright Licensee: Iranian Journal of Translation Studies. This article is an open access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative Commons Attribution–NonCommercial 4.0 International (CC BY-NC 4.0 license).
