Anime Subs vs Dubs? Seriously, It Doesn't Matter

Summary:

• The argument about whether it is better to watch anime subbed or dubbed has existed since forever, and it really needs to stop.
• Both sides raise valid points, however, with the globalization of the anime community, many people on the internet watch anime in languages other than English as well.
• Furthermore, some people may be watching both, and most don’t actually care about how others watch.

Is it better to watch anime subbed or dubbed? The argument has persisted since forever, and there seems to be no conclusive end to it. Many points have been raised by both sides of the argument, and a lot of them are valid — but the actual truth is: it doesn’t actually matter. Ultimately, most people won’t care or ask how you watched a show.

What’s the reason for the argument?

The argument usually boils down to a few points. People who watch anime with subtitles often want to have an experience as authentic as the Japanese viewers, while also arguing that dub scripts often take too many liberties with translation.

Dub watchers argue that watching dubbed anime is more comfortable to those who don’t speak Japanese, and that subs can often distract the viewer from the animation and events happening on the screen. More points can be raised for both sides, but a lot of otaku feel like the argument has become tiresome, and perhaps it should be put to rest altogether.

Globalization of the anime community

Nowadays, the anime community is becoming more and more globalized, while anime itself is accessible in many languages. Even if someone speaks English on the internet, there is no guarantee it’s their first language — arguing that those people should watch English dubs is not a very good idea. Many of them would watch anime dubbed in their own language — or subtitled in it, for that matter.

There is no way to accurately translate everything into every language: there will be differences, no matter how small. Yet somehow, most anime fans are on the same page about anime they watched. Seems like the difference is less than people might think. Moreover, a lot of otaku are learning Japanese nowadays, and some of them watch anime without any translation at all.

Everyone decides for themselves

Ultimately, it needs to be remembered that people who argue about subs vs dubs are a vocal minority. Most people don’t actually care about how others watch their shows. And honestly, you probably shouldn’t care as well. In the end, you’re watching the same anime as others are, and how they’re watching it is way less important. Besides, there’s no same answer for every show — for example, some people may prefer a dub for one show while subs for another one.

Sometimes there are even more than one dub, such as in the case of Vinland Saga, which we talked about a while ago. Some anime don’t have dubs at all — and if you’re a dub watcher, should it be truly a reason to not watch them? And even if you strictly prefer one way over the other, it’s not a reason to push that opinion onto others: it’s purely a matter of personal preference.