Who Else Wants to Know if Dubbing Really Hinders Language Learning and Why It Matters to You?

Watching foreign films, shows, and videos has become easier and more accessible than ever. Whether you’re streaming a popular Korean series like Squid Game or an Italian art film, chances are you’ve come across the option to choose between dubbed and subtitled versions. If you’re learning a new language, however, this choice might be more important than you think. Language learners often wonder: Does watching dubbed content impact my language progress? Or, in some cases, can dubbing actually help?

In this post, I’ll delve into the effects of dubbing on language learning, why it matters, and whether you should choose dubbing or stick to subtitles. To make things more relatable, I’ll share two personal experiences I had with dubbing, one involving an American comedy film and the other a simple promotional clip from Russia.

Why Dubbing Has Become the Norm (And Why Language Learners Care)

First, let’s acknowledge why dubbing is so popular. In many parts of Europe, dubbing is the default. In these regions, it’s typical for mainstream movies and TV shows to be dubbed, especially in countries like Spain. Historically, this helped people enjoy foreign media in their native language, especially before English was widely taught. But for language learners today, the option to choose dubbing or original audio matters because it can impact language acquisition.

If you’re watching foreign content to improve language skills, a dubbed version could mean losing out on exposure to authentic vocabulary, pronunciation, and cultural context. When dubbed, the original language disappears, and while this makes the story understandable, it doesn’t help if your goal is to pick up expressions or understand spoken nuances. However, dubbing can offer benefits that aren’t immediately obvious, especially for beginner to intermediate learners who need to build a base before jumping into the original audio.

Dubbing a Classic Comedy Film from English to Spanish

In one of my university projects, I was tasked with dubbing an old American short comedy into Spanish. The film was about a stereotypical 1950s American family with exaggerated roles, typical misunderstandings, and lots of witty banter. Initially, I thought it would be a straightforward task, just swapping the dialogue for Spanish equivalents and calling it a day. But as I got deeper into the project, I realized there was so much more to it.

The main challenge was that many of the jokes in English didn’t directly translate well into Spanish, and some of the expressions were so outdated that they had lost their meaning. For example, one line had the dad character saying something like, “Well, I’ll be a monkey’s uncle!” While this expression was funny in English, it made no sense in Spanish, so I had to think of an alternative. I chose a line that loosely conveyed the same meaning, something like “¡Lo que hay que ver!, even though it lacked the absurdity of the original.

Another issue was the rhythm of the language. The comedic timing in English depends on certain pauses, quick reactions, and specific tones. When we switched to Spanish, some of the pauses had to be adjusted to keep the humor. Timing is crucial in comedy, so we spent extra time trying to make sure each line kept the spirit of the original. Although the result was entertaining, it was clear that dubbing slightly altered the comedic feel.

This experience made me realize just how much changes when you dub something. Yes, the story remains intact, but the language nuances shift, which can impact the viewer’s understanding, especially in terms of humor. For language learners, choosing dubbed content means potentially missing out on these subtle cues and expressions, which are vital to learning idiomatic language.

How Dubbing Impacts Language Learning: The Pros and Cons

Let’s look at some research-backed insights on the pros and cons of dubbing for language learners.

The Downsides of Dubbing

1. Loss of Authentic Pronunciation and Intonation
   • Dubbing changes the sound of the language entirely, eliminating the chance to hear native accents, intonation, and rhythm. A study from the European Journal of Language Studies found that learners exposed to original audio gained a stronger sense of pronunciation accuracy than those who mainly watched dubbed content. When we hear a language spoken naturally, we’re better at picking up subtle sounds, flow, and pitch.
2. Limited Vocabulary Exposure
   • Original content often includes colloquial expressions, slang, and unique phrasing that can’t always be translated. In a dubbed version, these linguistic details are often simplified or replaced, reducing exposure to real-life language. Language experts argue that one of the fastest ways to learn new vocabulary is by hearing words in context, something that dubbed versions struggle to replicate accurately.
3. Reduced Cultural Understanding
   • Cultural context shapes language. When we watch something in the original language, we’re absorbing more than just words. In my dubbing project, for instance, the American expressions and family dynamics were culturally specific. Translating them required stripping down some cultural references, which is what happens in most dubbed versions. For language learners, this can mean losing out on the cultural insights that come with learning a language.

The Upsides of Dubbing

1. Better Comprehension for Beginners
   • If you’re new to a language, dubbed content can make foreign media more accessible. When studying a language, comprehension is essential, and dubbing allows beginners to follow the plot and get comfortable with vocabulary before diving into original audio. This is especially helpful with complex plots or vocabulary-rich genres, like historical dramas or science fiction.
2. Exposure to High-Quality Native Language
   • Dubbing isn’t always bad; it often introduces learners to high-quality spoken language. Professional dubbing actors are trained to deliver lines in a clear and expressive way, which can be beneficial for language learners aiming to improve their listening comprehension in their native language.
3. Focus on Visual Learning
   • Some experts argue that the visuals and storyline play a significant role in language learning. Watching a dubbed version allows learners to focus on body language, facial expressions, and context clues, which help build a mental association between words and actions.

Dubbing a Simple Russian Clip Promoting Lake Baikal

In another dubbing project, I worked on a Russian short clip where a young woman was promoting Lake Baikal. Compared to the American comedy, this clip was straightforward and heartfelt. The woman described the beauty of the lake, the nearby mountains, and the tranquility of nature. Because of the simplicity and sincerity of her message, dubbing this piece from Russian into Spanish was almost seamless.

The vocabulary was easy to translate, and the tone was gentle, making it easy to carry over into Spanish. Even though we couldn’t retain the Russian intonations, the dubbing felt authentic because the message was simple and direct.

This project showed me that, depending on the type of content, dubbing can retain much of the original’s effect. Unlike with humor, where cultural nuances are crucial, a promotional clip about nature translated well into Spanish without much loss in meaning. For language learners, this suggests that dubbing might be suitable for simpler, more direct content where the focus is more on information than cultural context.

When Should Language Learners Avoid Dubbing?

While dubbing can be useful for beginners or for content that doesn’t rely heavily on language nuances, there are situations when avoiding dubbed content is beneficial for language learning.

1. When Learning Pronunciation and Accents
   • If you’re trying to improve pronunciation, dubbed content isn’t the way to go. Dubbing actors speak in a controlled manner that may not reflect the real-world variations in a language. To learn pronunciation accurately, it’s best to hear native speakers in authentic settings.
2. When Studying Cultural Idioms and Expressions
   • Authentic expressions are essential for achieving fluency. When you watch the original version, you pick up on idioms, slang, and everyday phrases. Dubbing often misses these, replacing them with more straightforward phrases, which limits exposure to conversational nuances.
3. When Preparing for Real-Life Conversations
   • If your goal is to engage in real-life conversations, especially in informal settings, watching original content helps familiarize you with natural pacing, sentence structure, and slang. Dubbing tends to be more “formal” and misses the authentic feel of casual, everyday language.

How to Make the Most of Dubbing as a Language Learner

If you do choose to watch dubbed content, here are some ways to maximize the experience:

1. Switch Between Dubbed and Original Versions
   • Start with dubbed versions to understand the plot and context, then rewatch with the original audio. This way, you can follow the story without getting lost and then focus on language in the second round.
2. Use Subtitles as a Supplement
   • If your goal is to improve vocabulary, try watching the original audio with subtitles in your target language. This lets you see how words translate and helps reinforce new terms. Subtitles provide a bridge between visual and auditory learning.
3. Watch Language-Specific Dubbing
   • If you’re learning Spanish, watching a Spanish show dubbed in a Latin American accent might be closer to the regional language you’re learning. Many streaming platforms allow you to select regional variants.
4. Pay Attention to Vocabulary Choices
   • Notice when certain expressions are simplified or changed in dubbing. Keep a list of words or phrases that differ from the original; this will deepen your understanding of how language varies in context.

The Bottom Line: Does Dubbing Hinder Language Learning?

Ultimately, dubbing does pose some obstacles for language learners, but it doesn’t have to be a roadblock. For beginners, it can be helpful to follow the plot, while intermediate and advanced learners will benefit more from original audio to improve listening and cultural fluency.

Through my experiences dubbing an American comedy and a Russian clip, I learned how content type affects language preservation in dubbing. Humorous, culturally rich content often loses subtlety, while simpler narratives tend to retain their essence.

So, if you’re serious about language learning, especially for fluency, opt for original audio when you can. However, if dubbing helps you grasp difficult concepts or follow complex plots, don’t shy away from it. The key is to balance both approaches to enjoy the best of both worlds.

Whether you’re new to language learning or an experienced polyglot, consider experimenting with dubbed and original content to see what works best for you. With the right approach, each viewing experience can become a valuable tool in your language journey.

Dubbing vs. Subtitling: Which One Works Best for Language Learners?

We’ve covered the basics of dubbing and how it can affect language learning. But what about its counterpart—subtitling? For language learners, choosing between dubbing and subtitling isn’t just about personal preference; each one brings its own set of benefits and challenges. We’ll dive into the differences between dubbing and subtitling, and explore which approach is better for language learners at different stages. Spoiler: The answer depends on what you’re trying to achieve in your language journey.

Dubbing and Subtitling: The Basics

Before getting into the comparisons, let’s define what dubbing and subtitling entail for language learners:

• Dubbing: This is when the original audio is replaced with audio in a different language. Viewers hear all dialogue in their own language or a language they’re learning, which can simplify comprehension and keep focus on the visuals. However, as we’ve discussed, dubbing sacrifices certain language and cultural elements, often missing out on authentic pronunciations and nuanced expressions.
• Subtitling: Subtitles retain the original audio and add translated or same-language text at the bottom of the screen. Subtitles can be in the viewer’s native language (translation subtitles) or in the same language as the audio (same-language subtitles). Subtitling preserves the original language, making it useful for building listening comprehension and gaining exposure to natural speech patterns. However, reading while watching can also divide attention and may be challenging at first.

Benefits of Dubbing for Language Learners

Dubbing can offer specific advantages for language learners, especially at the beginner or intermediate level. Here’s why dubbing works well for some learners:

1. Enhanced Comprehension Without the Distraction of Reading

• For beginners or intermediate learners, watching dubbed content provides a way to follow the storyline without the challenge of keeping up with subtitles. It allows viewers to stay fully engaged in the action, visuals, and emotion of the content, which makes for a more immersive experience.
• In dubbed content, learners hear the language without having to read along, making it easier to focus on pronunciation, intonation, and expression. Studies on cognitive load in language learning suggest that focusing on audio alone, rather than both text and audio, helps some learners absorb vocabulary more naturally without the distraction of reading.

2. Practice for Intonation and Rhythm

• Dubbing actors work hard to make their speech sound natural, often adjusting pacing, pauses, and rhythm to convey the same emotions as the original actors. This can be beneficial for language learners trying to familiarize themselves with natural intonation and flow, as dubbed content often prioritizes a clear, understandable speech style.
• Hearing actors speak the language in a steady, professional tone can help learners with correct intonation and pitch patterns. Since dubbing actors tend to enunciate clearly, it provides a controlled way to understand sentence structure and inflection.

3. Accessible Vocabulary and Grammar for Beginners

• Dubbing is typically adapted to the language level of the general population. Vocabulary and phrasing tend to be simpler than in the original language, making it more accessible for those just starting out. This is a good stepping stone for beginner learners who need time to get comfortable with basic vocabulary and syntax.
• Because dubbed dialogue often avoids overly complex grammar or idioms, it’s a useful way to reinforce foundational language skills without the challenge of understanding local slang, dialects, or informal expressions that might be difficult for beginners.

Benefits of Subtitling for Language Learners

While dubbing offers its own advantages, subtitling is widely considered the preferred choice for those serious about learning a language. Here’s why:

1. Exposure to Authentic Pronunciation, Tone, and Dialect

• Subtitling preserves the original audio, which is invaluable for hearing authentic pronunciation, accent, and dialect. Research suggests that learners who listen to native audio are more likely to develop accurate pronunciation and understand regional variations in the language.
• When watching original audio with subtitles, viewers are exposed to the natural pacing, emotion, and nuances in the language. This can help learners pick up on subtleties like stress patterns, pitch, and the specific way native speakers emphasize words.

2. Increased Vocabulary and Cultural Context

• Subtitled content often includes vocabulary, idioms, and expressions that don’t translate directly. This exposure to more varied vocabulary builds a stronger lexicon and helps learners understand how words are used in different contexts.
• Watching content with same-language subtitles allows learners to match spoken words with written text, reinforcing vocabulary and spelling. Research in second-language acquisition shows that pairing text and audio together improves retention of new words by creating a mental link between spoken and written language.

3. Focus on Contextual Learning and Colloquial Expressions

• Subtitling gives learners access to real-life language, including idioms, slang, and expressions that are common in conversation. This is particularly useful for understanding cultural nuances and learning how native speakers use language in informal settings.
• Many learners who use subtitled content find that the language becomes “alive,” as it’s embedded in a cultural context that adds meaning to vocabulary and expressions. For example, seeing a character use a local phrase when they’re excited or frustrated gives learners a clearer sense of when and how to use similar phrases.

Dubbing vs. Subtitling: Which Works Best for Different Levels?

For Beginners: Start With Dubbing

Beginners often benefit from dubbed content. At this stage, listening to authentic audio can be overwhelming because of the fast pace and unfamiliar sounds. Dubbing provides a simplified, slower-paced option to get accustomed to basic vocabulary, structure, and pronunciation. Beginners should ideally start with dubbed content in which the actors speak clearly and with minimal slang, giving them time to process the basics of the language before adding more complexity.

If you’re a beginner:

• Start with dubbed shows or movies that are designed for children or young learners, as these are more likely to have simplified vocabulary and grammar.
• Practice listening for common phrases or sentence structures. Since dubbed content is consistent, you’ll hear repeated expressions and patterns, making it easier to familiarize yourself with the language.

For Intermediate Learners: Gradually Transition to Subtitles

At the intermediate level, learners can start using subtitled content to bridge the gap between beginner-friendly dubbed language and the complexity of native speech. Intermediate learners should aim to understand more context and subtleties, and subtitles provide a balance between comprehension and exposure to native language.

If you’re intermediate:

• Try watching with same-language subtitles (e.g., Spanish audio with Spanish subtitles) to reinforce vocabulary and pronunciation without translation. This method is highly effective for building reading comprehension.
• Consider toggling between dubbed and subtitled versions of the same show or film to test your understanding. By comparing both, you can pick up on subtle language differences and see how dubbed phrases differ from the original expressions.

For Advanced Learners: Stick With Subtitles or No Subtitles at All

Advanced learners benefit most from the original language with minimal or no subtitles. At this stage, the focus should be on developing fluency, which requires listening to natural pacing, complex vocabulary, idioms, and regional accents. Subtitles in the target language can still provide support when needed but should ideally be avoided for maximum language immersion.

If you’re advanced:

• Experiment with turning off subtitles entirely to see how much you understand. This exercise improves your listening skills, especially with informal and slang-heavy language.
• For a challenge, watch shows or movies that feature dialects or accents within the language. Advanced learners benefit from exposure to different regional variations, which builds versatility in understanding diverse speakers.

Cultural Insights: How Dubbing and Subtitling Shape Perceptions

Both dubbing and subtitling impact how we perceive not only the language but also the culture of the content we’re consuming. Let’s explore how each affects cultural understanding:

Dubbing and Cultural Adaptation

When content is dubbed, translators and dubbing actors often adapt cultural references to suit the target audience. This process is called “localization,” and it’s common in dubbing to change jokes, idioms, or references that wouldn’t make sense to a foreign audience. While localization makes content more relatable for native speakers, it can dilute the original cultural message.

For example, in my experience with dubbing the American comedy short into Spanish, I had to find culturally equivalent jokes to replace certain expressions. This adaptation helped Spanish-speaking viewers enjoy the humor, but it meant that some uniquely American expressions were replaced, slightly altering the cultural feel of the original.

Subtitling and Cultural Authenticity

Subtitles allow viewers to experience the content as it was created, preserving cultural elements that give insight into the language. Viewers hear the original jokes, slang, and accents, which helps learners understand the context in which certain words and phrases are used. With subtitled content, language learners are exposed to aspects of culture that dubbing often glosses over.

For example, in my dubbing project on the Russian clip about Lake Baikal, we retained much of the original tone but translated certain details for clarity. If a language learner watched the original Russian clip with subtitles instead of dubbing, they would get a clearer sense of the regional accent and specific phrasing that would be lost in a dubbed version.

What Do Language Experts Recommend?

Language experts generally agree that subtitled content offers a more immersive learning experience than dubbed content, especially for those aiming for fluency. Here are some insights from research:

1. Increased Comprehension and Memory Retention
   • Studies suggest that learners retain vocabulary better when they hear it spoken in context and see it written on screen. This dual exposure reinforces memory and comprehension, especially when learners actively match audio and text.
2. Improvement in Listening and Pronunciation Skills
   • Research shows that language learners exposed to native audio with subtitles improve their listening and pronunciation skills faster than those who rely on dubbed content. This is because they’re regularly hearing the language in a natural context, learning to mimic native speakers’ sounds and rhythms.
3. Deeper Cultural Understanding
   • Language experts highlight the importance of understanding cultural nuances, which are often preserved in subtitled content but diluted in dubbing. For example, learners who watch subtitled French movies are more likely to understand the cultural weight behind phrases like “c’est la vie” (that’s life) than those who hear it simplified in dubbed versions.

Conclusion: Making the Right Choice for Your Language Journey

Choosing between dubbing and subtitling depends on your language goals and current skill level. Beginners may find more value in dubbed content as it provides a way to ease into the language, while intermediate and advanced learners benefit greatly from subtitled or original content. For anyone aiming to become fluent and culturally fluent, subtitles or original audio are ideal.

In the end, both dubbing and subtitling have their place in a language learning journey. With the right balance, you can use dubbed content to get comfortable with new words and grammar, and subtitled content to immerse yourself in the language’s authentic sound and culture.