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Why can't dubs and subs just coexist (PLZ read description before answering)?

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Apr 18, 2009 1:42 AM
#1

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Oct 2008
1069
For the record I just joined this club for 2 reasons:

1) To help make this place more lively
2) So I can understand what is the big deal about choosing between ether sub or dub. Therefore I want to ask, what's wrong with liking both?

I grew up watching Pokemon, Toonami, Digimon, and Adult swim, all of which featured dubbed animes that I enjoyed. I probably would have not been as into anime if I was never exposed to them that way. I like the idea of hearing from anime characters sounding so natural and relatable to an American audience in my own native tongue.

That being said, I also like the idea of watching subbed anime, or what I would rather call "original audio with subtitles." I say that instead of subbed because people make it sound as if translated text that "seems" to take days to work on is "better" than translated voice acting that takes weeks to get good lip syncing, emotion to characters among other factors in dubbing.

Anyway I like hearing the original version of animes with subtitles for the same reason as many other people: to better understand the language. It's interesting to hear the voices of actors sound different yet appealing from American actors and that with subtitles, it helps me learn Japanese (not a WHOLE lot, but it still helps).

Now the thing is I like hearing dubs but I also can live with watching subs (original audio with subtitles) too. So really why can't everyone think that? And come up with an "in depth, sophisticated" reason please!!
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May 30, 2009 8:04 AM
#2

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Dec 2007
39
I think one of the main reasons this debate continues is mainly due to the fanaticism that each side exhibits and the utter refusal of one side to accept the other, usually due to some form of misconception or prejudice. As long as Japanese advocates continue to view all dubs as inferior and all dub advocates continue to view original Japanese supporters as being elitist, this debate will not stop.

Both have their strengths and weaknesses, which I would like to outline here:

Original Japanese:
Strengths:
- the message of the show is understood as intended. Original Japanese gives the viewer the chance to see what the director (or creator of the show) envisioned when making the anime. His or her original intentions are known.
- a further understanding is given into the Japanese culture. New words, ideas, terms, and events are taught to us, allowing us to see the dynamic aspects of Japan.
- all roles are emphasized (for the most part). A minor character may be treated just as importantly as a main character. Great effort is put into making every character sound just right. All characters may be understood and reflected upon in some way.

Weaknesses:
- in terms of subtitles, there can be a varying degree of quality. Often times translations do not have the intended effect on the audience or are merely just translated incorrectly, leading to confusion and misconception over what is trying to be portrayed.
- the fact that Japanese is not a universal language means that it will have less appeal for a western audience. Often times people will want to hear shows in their native language, leading to problems if a show they like hasn't been licensed for western distribution.

Dubs
Strengths:
- because English is a universal western language, dubs allow anime to be released in the vernacular, giving people who might not normally be drawn in to anime the exposure that allows them to be introduced into the otaku subculture
- voice actors and characters are easier to relate to for a western audience. The effort they put in is more recognized given that the audience has a better understanding of the language.

Weaknesses:
- there are often times where minor roles are seen as just that. Voice actors who are given minor roles make half-hearted efforts, leading to detachment from the characters they portray
- because anime is targeted for Japanese audiences, there are times where dubs must change large portions of dialogue or subject matter so that it makes more sense for the Western viewer. Unfortunately, this does not always translate very well.

As much as I too wish there could be some compromise on this, it's likely that people will just continue arguing due to the fundamentalism that runs rampant among both communities.
Jul 9, 2009 8:16 AM
#3

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Apr 2009
870
For me, the most important part of the anime enjoyment when it comes down to dub vs sub is the acting. It often seems to me that the acting of the dub is not on par with the original, and that is simply a difference in how prolific seiyuu are in comparison to voice actors here. Seiyuu are the better paid, cream of the crop of Japanese actors, while English voice actors are generally not well known or often not very good. Thats not to say that all dub voice actors are terrible, because many are great! But oftentimes, the voice actors just arent at their best
Oct 15, 2009 4:57 PM
#4

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Aug 2009
3198
It really depends if the English voice actors match the characters.

I also really don't like it when they pronounce Japanese names wrong... even though I myself, am "english."

Anime with like, English names though usually turn out ohkay~

For example: FMA is pretty good, and also Ouran, but that's about it... :S

Thanks to Shiro-chan for scripting! ♥
Dec 3, 2009 10:54 PM
#5
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Sep 2007
55
ya i kinda feel out matched on this one but i can relate > dragonball z dubbed was just about the only ones i watched but that was before i knew what anime was lol
so i know what you mean
Feb 20, 2010 8:10 AM
#6

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Apr 2009
870
Here's my personal opinion, which is often how I chose to watch dubbed or subbed. If the characters names are Japanese, I watch subbed. If its in any other language, i watch dubbed. It drives me crazy how the Japanese say foreign names. Sometimes, i watch it subbed if the names are foreign because I dont have a choice, but I have to really be enjoying it, because I will wince everytime they say Edowardo or Wufuramu.
VelvetErisFeb 20, 2010 8:32 AM
Feb 28, 2010 7:11 AM
#7

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Jul 2009
2634
i think it just stupid and the people badmouthing the dubs/subs are just immature. Have they got nothing better to do than argue amongst themselves?GET A LIFE!!!!!

I prefer to watch dubs for the simple reason that i am english, so its easier to watch dubs for me than subs. i don't have anything against subs, an i will watch subs if their isn't a dub version. I watch anime because i enjoy it, and so i see no point to ruin it to by getting into an arguement with some asshole who says i'm "Not a true fan of anime because i watch dubs". screw you... you watch want you wanna watch and i'll watch what i wanna watch. Just leave it at that

Stop. Calm yourself. You're an idiot.
Mar 13, 2010 7:41 PM
#8

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Jan 2010
2303
Well when I watch one episode of an anime then the next episode watch the subs
It seems weird
Somehow
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Jun 16, 2012 12:48 PM
#9

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Nov 2010
26413
I grew up watching those same pokemon, digimon, beyblade, shaman king, yu yu hakusho in dubbed. and i might like them better like that because of the memories that i have with those voices, but now that i am older i can see how much they change anime and how they dumb it down to fit a wider audience and i dont like it. they cut stuff that has too much violence, or any drinking, take out all culture, including dialects, jokes, sayings, and holidays and even though im american in dubbed it all sounds like the same person is doing all of the voices to me.
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Mar 31, 2010 2:08 PM
It’s time to ditch the text file.
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