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				The Eternal Struggle: Sub vs. Dub Arrives! by Kyo
			First of all, to give a little background, subbing is referring to when an anime uses subtitles to represent the speech that the characters use. With the exception of a few anime’s, most are subtitled into English while the characters speak Japanese. Dubbing is sort of just the opposite process. To dub something means that the languages spoken by the characters, as well as any on-screen written signs (billboards, town signs, etc.), have been replaced by another language. Most commonly this means that an anime where Japanese was spoken, English is now spoken. So now you know what it means if someone asks if you’re a sub or a dub type of person. To help you decide which you prefer, I’ve broken it down. Dubbing a show is all around easier to watch and listen to. If the show is dubbed, you don’t necessarily even have to watch the show to know what’s going on. Your focus is going to be on what the characters are doing. With a subtitled version, you have to keep most of your focus on reading what’s going on and looking up at the screen to see what’s happening. Therefore, a certain amount of attention is taken away from the action taking place. Dubbed anime is also becoming easier to find. More and more anime is getting translated into English these days because of the increasing interest in the U.S. So dubbing is likewise becoming more popular. One of the very first anime, Akira, was even dubbed into English in 1988, so it is getting easier to find more anime shows that are either dubbed in English, have subtitles, or both options. However, most manga form anime is still only offered in Japanese. As for subtitles, the more anime you watch with subtitles, you will actually start to learn the language, gestures, and meanings behind character reactions. I have actually learned Japanese through watching subbed anime. I prefer subtitled anime, but not for that reason. If you have the opportunity to watch one episode, let’s say of Inuyasha, in Japanese, and then the same episode dubbed in English, you can notice the discrepancies. Anime is drawn, and written for the Japanese language for one, so it works better for that reason in Japanese. But also, when you compare the two, the Japanese version sounds way more convincing. The sounds and reactions in the voices of the actors are more committed. For example, there’s a common reaction in anime when a character is surprised by something where they make a noise that would be spelled something like, “gehhhh?!” And I’ve noticed that this reaction is not in the Americanized versions; comparing them, without it, its totally ruined. Simply put, the voice actors for the English subbed versions suck at committing themselves to the character and situation. This is my reason for liking subtitles better. The anime is originally in Japanese, and the rule is that the original is always better. But you can decide for yourself which you prefer. Some people can’t stand to read subtitles, and some think it makes for a more enjoyable experience. Whatever your preference, it doesn’t really matter. If you like anime, then choose whatever you like best. And if someone disagrees with you on your preference, get into petty online arguments over forums and message boards....j/k. Hope all your anime has happy endings! Later days.