Dubbed versions make you stupid!

Thomas Meyer

22-6-2024

Translation: machine translated

I always watch films and series in the original. Dubbed versions are unbearable for me. And incomprehensible - how can you do that to yourself?

"I'm too lazy to make an effort in the evening" - I've heard the sentence explaining the consumption of dubbed versions dozens of times. I've never understood it. That you're tired in the evening - okay. But how lovelessly read texts, which at most match the length of the lip movements on the screen, are supposed to make life easier is a mystery to me.

My first encounter with original sound was in 1982 when I went to the cinema with my parents to see "E.T." - still my favourite film to this day. I struggled to follow the subtitles, but was thrilled to hear the actors and actresses in their real voices. It all seemed much more real and tangible.

But that was only possible in the cinema. And only if the people accompanying us wanted to. At home on the TV and later with the VHS tapes, I was still condemned to watch everything synchronised. But - I was used to it.

At some point, I was already over twenty years old and living alone, the DVD came along. I finally had a choice. And from then on, I always chose the original soundtrack.

If it says Pacino on it, it must have Pacino in it!

First of all, it should be noted: Frank Glaubrecht is not Al Pacino. Only Al Pacino is Al Pacino and sounds like Al Pacino. Frank Glaubrecht is his German dubbing voice. And sounds like Frank Glaubrecht. When I watch Al Pacino, I want to hear Al Pacino.

In addition, dubbing actors are usually not actors. When they record the translated text, they are not on set, in the middle of the action, but alone in a recording studio. They don't act, they read. And that's how it usually sounds: monotonous and impassive. And in no way like the original. Melody, intonation, colouring - all gone. Dubbed versions simply have no soul.

Or the wrong one. Some dubbing actors and actresses believe they have to sound particularly cool, crass or sexy. This is particularly obvious to the eyes and ears in the series "24": Tobias Meister, the German voice actor for the character Jack Bauer, obviously wanted to emphasise the character's badassness, but just sounds incredibly stupid. As if he were parodying his own project.

These are the arguments against dubbed versions: Firstly, it almost always sounds totally daft. Secondly, you miss out on a lot of the original characterisation. And thirdly, you miss the chance to learn English properly.

Suddenly the child can speak English almost too well

When my son had English lessons from Year 3 onwards, I announced: "Son, here's a new addition to our household: you can watch as much Netflix as you want, but all in the original language."

He was totally outraged, and for a few days we played the "I switch to German as soon as dad leaves the room and dad switches to English when he comes back" game, but eventually it became normal for my son - speaking of getting used to it - to watch his programmes in the original. After two years, he was fluent in English.

Meanwhile, I even get made fun of in English. Recently, the pizza courier was already over half an hour late and I wanted to call. "Please don't go all boomer on them," my son begged me, who is becoming increasingly embarrassed by my actions.

And yet: there are reasons for dubbed versions

Now, people are different and not all have the same language skills. There are people with reading difficulties who simply can't follow subtitles, and there are those who generally struggle with foreign languages. They are certainly not lazy. For them, dubbed versions are the only way to watch a film at all.

In addition, our brain is designed to work as effortlessly as possible anyway. It tries to avoid any mental effort that is not absolutely necessary. The statement "I'm too lazy to make an effort in the evening" is therefore not only based on a somewhat comfortable character. But also in cerebral economy.

Invitation to make an effort

You should still try to watch your favourite series in the original language. Because even if the brain has a natural aversion to any supposedly unnecessary effort, it is still worth it - in fact, everything that can be called an achievement is only possible because of it. That's why it's called that: You have wrested the achievement from your brain.

The reward for this work is better English, which is worthwhile for all those in 29th place, and a much more intense enjoyment of the film. Dubbed versions are ultimately like sex without kissing: You can do it, but it's only half as much fun.

You don't have to go from zero to one hundred. Just try it out the next time you watch a film. If you find it tedious, remind yourself that it's just your brain telling you: "Man, what's the point, I'm too lazy to work in the evening! And otherwise too!" Tell it: "Maybe, but I want to be able to speak English better and hear the real voices!"

Stick with it, it's really worth it. And if you realise it's not for you: That's fine too. After all, watching films and series is not primarily about language skills, but about having fun. People who equate the two are boomers anyway.

Thomas Meyer

freier Autor

tacheles@thomasmeyer.ch

Author Thomas Meyer was born in Zurich in 1974. He worked as a copywriter before publishing his first novel «The Awakening of Motti Wolkenbruch» in 2012. He's a father of one, which gives him a great excuse to buy Lego. More about Thomas: www.thomasmeyer.ch.

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