Arclight_Dynamo wrote:Ah! So subs tend to be more literal in their translations, while dubs tend to make allowances for English idiom/cultural references? Well, that makes sense, then, thanks.
In that case, I think I'll stick with subtitles, generally; if I think I'm missing something, I can always Google it.
Yes and no? It really depends on who is translating what.
Probably the bigger difference between subtitles and dubbing is that when something is dubbed they also have to match the lip flaps. So they have to not only convey what is being said by translating it into a different language but also make sure it works with the mouth movements on screen.
Translation itself is different. Subtitles done by a fansubber have a tendency to be more literal. A lot of fansubbers will put up cultural notes to explain it, however there are those that are so inside the anime community that they assume people watching already know these things.
For example a lot of them will assume that people understand a term like "Sempai" or "Kouhai".
Official dubs and subtitles might use words like that now because people have caught on. Though I do remember a lot of older days where if a dvd did use that if often came with a card inside explaining such terms.
I find how translation works to be really interesting so I could talk about it for ages but I'm gonna stop myself because there's so much more I could talk about on it and this isn't really the place.
Ultimately as long as you're fine with reading subtitles there shouldn't be an issue. The hardest to translate stuff that needs a lot of referencing is related more to puns and sight gags. And a lot of subs are pretty good about having cultural notes these days.
Other reasons to maybe enjoy dubs has to due with things like if the animation in the scene is very quick it can be easy to miss out on something if you're busy reading. Or if you want to sit back and not wear glasses.. that kind of thing.