Impact of Dubbed Films on Language Learning Success

For years, the entertainment landscape has been largely shaped by English-language content, from blockbuster Hollywood films to critically acclaimed British series. The rise of streaming services, particularly American giant Netflix, has further amplified the global reach of English media, making it more accessible to audiences around the world.

Films and TV series aren’t experienced the same way in every country. Nearly every nation has laws governing the amount of content shown in its original language in cinemas and on national television. These regulations significantly influence how we learn and comprehend different languages.

To explore how English content is perceived and understood in various countries, LingualNeed has examined the existing regulatory frameworks for dubbing and subtitling in Europe. Additionally, we engaged with language experts to understand how these regulations impact language learning for individuals.

Southern Europe has a long tradition of dubbing films and TV shows

Have you ever been curious about how iconic TV shows like The Simpsons, Friends, The Big Bang Theory, and How I Met Your Mother are transformed in other languages? In many Southern European countries, it’s actually required to dub these beloved sitcoms and films into the local languages before they can be aired in cinemas and on national television. This practice not only makes the content accessible but also enriches the viewing experience for audiences.

While Italy, Spain, and France are often recognized for their extensive dubbing of international films and TV shows, they’re not alone in this practice. As illustrated in the table below, countries like Austria, Germany, and even Switzerland also engage in dubbing, showcasing a broader trend across Europe.

Watching dubbed content lets viewers fully engage with the thrilling action and stunning visuals of a film. However, the reasons behind dubbing extend beyond mere convenience. Factors such as political influences, historical context, and economic considerations all play a significant role in the decision to dub content in various countries.

In the early 20th century, many Europeans struggled with low literacy rates, making dubbing a vital tool for communicating with the masses. However, this technique was also exploited by totalitarian regimes that emerged in the 1930s to control and distort information. Leaders like Franco in Spain, Mussolini in Italy, and Hitler in Germany used dubbing as a means of censorship, shaping public perception and suppressing dissent.

Dubbing has often served as a means to suppress dissenting viewpoints and modify morally objectionable content in films. In nations like Italy and Spain, it was also employed to promote dominant languages—Italian and Castilian Spanish—over regional dialects and minority languages, such as Sicilian, Neapolitan, Basque, Galician, and Catalan. This practice not only shaped cultural narratives but also reinforced linguistic hierarchies within these societies.

Following the collapse of totalitarian regimes, dubbing surged in popularity, particularly in Southern Europe, where it became a common practice. Today, numerous unions advocate for the rights of dubbing actors, striving to secure legal protections for those pursuing this profession.

Rather than using dubbing, many Eastern European countries opt for voiceovers, where a single actor provides the voices for all characters. This approach offers a unique listening experience while maintaining the original dialogue’s integrity.

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Countries that use subtitling also dub films and TV shows for children

For countless viewers, subtitles offer the ideal solution for preserving the integrity of the original film. They honor the performances of the actors while simultaneously providing a means to translate dialogue and immerse oneself in a new language.

Jason Leung, editor of the website The Rockstar Dad, shares his observations from a decade of living in Hungary: “Hungary has a long-standing tradition of dubbing foreign films into Hungarian. As a result, I’ve noticed that many Hungarians struggle with spoken English. While they often excel in reading and writing, their verbal skills don’t match those of people from neighboring countries like Poland and Croatia, where subtitles are the norm.”

Detractors, on the other side, think that subtitles can ruin a film’s images and distract the viewer.

Most countries that primarily rely on subtitles for cinema and national broadcasting recognize the crucial role of dubbing when it comes to children’s content. This approach ensures that these programs effectively engage and resonate with their young audiences.

Is the use of dubbing preventing us from hearing other languages and learning them?

The surge in popularity of streaming platforms has led many viewers to prefer subtitles over dubbing for their favorite films and TV shows. This increased access has introduced audiences in traditionally dubbing-focused countries to a variety of languages, sparking discussions about how subtitling and dubbing can impact language learning. As more people immerse themselves in original audio with subtitles, the potential benefits for language acquisition are becoming a hot topic of conversation.

Connor Kane, a Spanish language coach, emphasizes the value of immersing foreign language students in movies and TV shows from their target language. This practice is particularly advantageous for beginners, as it helps them recognize that the language extends beyond textbooks, apps, and classrooms. By engaging with these forms of entertainment, students not only enjoy themselves but also gain exposure to authentic, colloquial language used in real-life contexts.

Many believe that countries that favor subtitling are likely to develop stronger language-learning skills over time, especially in English. This perspective stems from the notion that watching films in their original language immerses viewers in authentic audio, allowing them to absorb new words and phrases naturally.

Linguist Yelena McCafferty highlights the significant benefits of subtitled content. Hearing a foreign language while reading subtitles can awaken your dormant language skills, even if you haven’t practiced in years. Additionally, watching subtitled films is an excellent way for beginners to reinforce essential conversational phrases, making language learning both engaging and effective.

Bethany McCarter, a certified English and Spanish teacher, strongly supports this idea: “For anyone looking to learn a new language through TV shows, I suggest starting with a series they already love. For instance, someone who can recite every line from ‘Friends’ has a distinct advantage. They’re familiar with the plot, the humor, and the nuances of each scene, creating an ideal environment for picking up a new language.”

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British celebrities understand the importance of learning other languages

British actors and singers are actively embracing multilingualism to expand their global presence and capitalize on the opportunities presented by globalization. Rather than relying solely on dubbing by others, they are stepping into new languages to connect with international audiences more authentically.

From starring in international films to translating their own music, these British actors and singers showcase impressive multilingual talents. Here are some of the most accomplished individuals in the industry who effortlessly navigate multiple languages.

Ranking of multilingual British actors 

Ranking of multilingual British singers

Streaming platforms will lead to a bigger exposure to languages and cultures

Over the past few years, we’ve adapted to spending more time at home, leading to a significant shift in how we consume and share content. This new environment has transformed our media habits and interactions, creating exciting opportunities for engagement.

As streaming service users, we now enjoy unprecedented freedom to customize the language options for the films and TV shows we watch, shattering the limitations of the past. This shift not only fosters a society more accustomed to diverse languages but also enriches our understanding and appreciation of various cultures. By engaging with content in different languages, we broaden our perspectives and deepen our connections to the world around us.

“The rise of streaming platforms is set to transform regulations around dubbing and subtitling, empowering viewers with complete control over the languages they choose for content consumption. This shift will not only enhance exposure to diverse cultures but also encourage actors and singers to embrace the languages of their audiences. As Amy Pritchett, Student Success Manager at LingualNeeds, notes, performers are likely to invest more effort into learning these languages themselves, rather than relying solely on voice actors for dubbing.”

Methodology

We identified the most favored translation methods across various European countries. Additionally, we spoke with experts to shed light on how exposure to dubbed versus subtitled films and shows shapes different language-learning approaches.

To provide some context, we examined the number of films featuring subtitling and dubbing options in major countries such as the UK, Germany, Italy, and France.

By conducting desk research, we’ve created a ranking of the most multilingual singers and actors from the UK.

Sources

• Subtitling, Dubbing, Dubbing only for children and Voice-over: https://webcasts.td.org/uploads/assets/9888/document/Commit_Global_Subtitling_vs_Dubbing.pdf
• English- Subtitled Movie: https://unogs.com/
• Seedlist of top 10 movies in France, Germany and Italy: https://flixpatrol.com/
• Seedlists of multilingual British actors and singers 
• Expert comments