The Subtitle Debate

It’s the weekend, and you’ve decided to watch an American film your friend Peter recommended with your better half. You snuggle up on the sofa, switch the TV on, and then the big debate starts.

You want to watch the film in its original language. To you, the actors’ voices are an essential part of their performance, and you don’t want to lose the nuances.

But your better half has been looking forward to this moment. With a bowl of popcorn on their lap, they’re ready to relax and enjoy the film dubbed. They claim they’re allergic to subtitles.

„This isn’t the first time we’ve had this debate,“ you think, sighing, „We always end up here.“

„Can’t we watch it with subtitles just this once?“ you plead, hoping for a change.

„Come on, you know I can’t stand subtitles,“ they reply, eyes glued to the TV. „I just want to relax.“

You glance at the remote, then at your partner’s determined face, and feel the familiar frustration bubbling up. But beneath it, there’s a hint of amusement. How did something so simple become your recurring debate?

With a dramatic sigh, you settle back into the cushions, your hand reaching into the popcorn bowl. „Okay, but next time, we watch it my way,“ you declare, pointing a finger in mock seriousness.

They chuckle, „Deal.“

PS: While synchronisation means that two things happen at the same time (like synchronised swimmers), dubbing is about replacing the voice of one actor with that of another—in the case of films, usually in a different language.

Do you watch English films in the original language or dubbed in your native language?