This study investigated the variation of thematic understanding and plot comprehensionbetween an English film shown in English and a Kiswahili- dubbed version. Data werecollected in Nairobi, Kenya from 22 men and 36 women and analyzed according to:theme, plot comprehension, character recognition, cultural perceptions, languagepreferences and synchronization. Four of the groups that viewed The Hiding Place ineither English or Kiswahili had difficulty identifying the main plot points, location andhistorical placement. It is certain that educational level and exposure to western mediaincreased the ability to perceive the themes. Both groups that viewed Consequences(produced in Zimbabwe and dubbed to Kiswahili) comprehended major plot points,character names and motivations more completely. This study also addresses otherfactors affecting comprehension, including: familiarity with the story, exposure to themedia, exposure to western accents through work relationships and the effect of singleviewing on comprehension.
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This study investigated the variation of thematic understanding and plot comprehension between an English film shown in English and a Kiswahili- dubbed version. Data were collected in Nairobi, Kenya from 22 men and 36 women and analyzed according to: theme, plot comprehension, character recognition, cultural perceptions, language preferences and synchronization. Four of the groups that viewed The Hiding Place in either English or Kiswahili had difficulty identifying the main plot points, location and historical placement. It is certain that educational level and exposure to western media increased the ability to perceive the themes. Both groups that viewed Consequences (produced in Zimbabwe and dubbed to Kiswahili) comprehended major plot points, character names and motivations more completely. This study also addresses other factors affecting comprehension, including: familiarity with the story, exposure to the media, exposure to western accents through work relationships and the effect of single viewing on comprehension.