Why is Japanese Subtitling Always Better Than Dubbing?

If watching movies or TV series is your way to relax and unwind, subtitles can be a hassle. However, you will notice that most foreign language movies often go for subtitled versions than dubbed versions. Some people may not enjoy reading while watching the show because it may feel like a distraction. However, subtitling has various advantages and one of which is it allows accurate translation, including quirks of the original language.

Japanese Subtitling vs. Dubbing

Subtitling is the process of translating one language to another in the form of a text with specified rules and specifications. When it comes to foreign languages, particularly Japanese, subtitle respects the acting talent as well as the performance of the character. Japanese Subtitling Services are much preferred because of its ability to maintain the integrity of the Japanese show or movie. Furthermore, hiring Japanese Subtitling Services for Japanese Subtitling renders the show accessible for people with disabilities in hearing and for those interested to learn the language.

Dubbing, on the other hand, is the art of replacing the original dialogue in a movie with localized readings.

Japanese To English Subtitling Services

Subtitling a foreign language particularly Japanese to English has its own regulations and defined criteria. This is necessary to successfully achieve the final intended results. Time is crucial when it comes to consistent captioning or subtitling. It has a minimum of a second and a maximum of six to seven seconds on screen. Here are other more specifications needed when opting for a successful Japanese to English subtitling services:

  • Reading Speed Parameters. The reading speed parameter should also be taken into consideration when opting for quality subtitles. To make sure that the viewers can read everything it contains, the duration and number of characters should be fully understood.
  • Synchronization. The timing and how the characters should appear, and stop should be synchronized with the audio. Furthermore, the shots should as well need to be considered.
  • Spacing. The space between the translation should be limited up to two lines of subtitles. Each line should contain a maximum of forty characters depending on the specifications.

Japanese Subtitling Rates

Surprisingly, many of the interested consumers find Japanese Subtitling rates way too affordable. Compared with other companies, Japanese subtitling services are potentially priced high due to several different considerations and ways. It is provided by certified professionals to cater to the diverse cultures and languages. Thus, professional Japanese subtitling services may vary depending on the video length, size file, and visual complexity.

The ‘per word’ subtitling rates work best to ensure the highest accuracy and quality level where nothing is missed. For the standard translation and subtitles, differences in word selection are not typically the issue. The main issue is to cut the word count in order to maintain reasonable reading speeds. The Japanese subtitling rates are usually priced higher because subtitling is never easy. It consists of phases and complicated process and this include:

  • Spotting

This phase is determining the ins and outs or when a subtitle should time appears and disappears on screen.  It should be synchronized with the audio and should adhere to the minimum and maximum duration as well as the shot changes.

  • Translation

Subtitling is known to have more accurate translation compared with dubbing. Translating from the source language, localizing, and adapting the characters according to the criteria is necessary. When it comes to captioning or putting subtitles, providing a high level of accuracy in the translation is the top-most priority.

  • Correction

The sentence structure, comprehension, as well as the overall flow of dialogue is deemed essential. In subtitling, the text should be naturally inserted. It should be as natural so that the viewers won’t even think that they are reading the subtitles while watching. There are also rules in spelling and language conventions which should not be overlooked and some basic principles. This includes punctuation marks, line breaks, ellipsis, and italics.

  • Simulation

After undergoing the first three phases such as spotting, translation, and correction, going through a simulation process is a must. This is where modification of text and timing are being made and perfect.

The Downside

Both Dubbing and Subtitling has its own share of setbacks. One of the biggest issues when selecting dubbed over subtitled is that it decreases the viewer’s ability to appreciate and learn the language. Furthermore, dubbing disrupts the level of excitement and the viewer’s enjoyment because of its lack of accuracy than subtitles. As a result, humor, quirks, character traits and authenticity is well delivered in using subtitles than choosing voice-over or dubbing.

Reading subtitles also lets the viewers miss some significant visual effects happening on screen. It could also alter how the person generally watches a film or video. Subtitles usually require the audience to pay full attention to the film all the time to not miss any information.

The Final Choice

In the debate as to which is better, the conclusion is subjective. Some may recommend that subtitles are better than dubbing, and others prefer the total opposite. In subtitled versions, the importance and intricate role of languages are given much appreciation. It also opens you to a global perspective and appreciates their way as to how their language is different from ours.

About the Author

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

You may also like these