Your Name, is a Japanese animated film that graced the theaters on April 7th, 2017. The film follows the life of two teenagers who attempt to meet one another after switching bodies. Various theaters have installed English subtitles and dubs to accommodate audiences who do not speak the language. Subtitles are translations of the dialogue placed on the screen, while dubbing is a spoken translations that replace the original dialogue.
When it comes to foreign content the use of subtitles and dubs effect the experience for viewers. Claims like “It’s too distracting” or “The voices don’t match the character” are the responses made by those who can not adjust to the changes. Alyssa Scanlon, voiced her opinion about subtitles. “I don’t mind subtitles at all. I love movies and I find the language an interesting barrier that some people see it as. I feel it connects more to the culture of the film when it is in its native language.” Solan Walsh, who is not a fan of subtitles argues “I’d rather not watch and read at the same time. Of course with foreign films I need the subtitles.”
There’s quite a divide on the use of subtitles and dubs, some see it as an enhancement and others view it as setback.