I don't really intend to get into a sub vs dub debate, but to answer this question specifically:



There are reasons why watching it in the source language is beneficial.

1. Culture does not translate easily. In a subbed version, you have an English translation in the form of text, and Japanese audio, two languages to work with. In a dubbed version, you have only one language, English audio. Completely eliminating the source language can be harmful to understanding cultural concepts and dialog which does not translate easily. When watching a sub, you have the ability to take English meaning and reinforce it with Japanese meaning. A really common example of this is name suffixes. As long as you know what the suffixes mean, you can get a general understanding of the characters relationship just by the way they call each other. This simply doesn't translate effectively in English. The ability to take a word you read in English and better understand its meaning by comparing it with the source Japanese wording used is simply not possible for dubs.

2. Lip syncing. When translating a dub, the translator is forced to use sub-optimal wording in order to accommodate the lip movements. Anyone who has watched a dual audio anime which uses the English script for subtitles along with Japanese audio knows how awkward this is. Lines constantly feel a bit off and it makes it very hard to watch (this shows the power of point 1 by the way). Now why is this a problem for people who watch with English audio? Because it means you're being told a story using poor rhetoric. That's a big deal for storytelling. Conveying meaning in the way the author intended should be the #1 priority of a translation.

I'm probably beating a dead horse, so I think I'll stop here.

This post was edited by i_r_slayer on Apr 17 2012 08:21pm

please don't turn this to a dub vs sub topic.

I'm still surprised that this topic is even open still XD

Best post I've seen in a while.
You said it without being a dick, and were very informative.
10/10.

I always watch in English (if avalible), with subtitles on BTW

Dubs are fine, if they fit.
Subs are fine most of the time.
Raw Jap is fine, if they don't talk at the speed of light, I don't read so well though. So signs and words I don't always get. But i'm learning.

But I hate bad voice acting. I can't think of any really good examples off hand. As its usually a specific character

also, There are well done dubs, Cowboy bebop comes to mind. I it prefer dubbed actually, the atmo does well with english.

also EVERY ANIME SHOULD HAVE AT LEAST 1 CATGIRL. FACT.

This post was edited by DB_odin on Apr 18 2012 12:13am

Now I'm confused about who is supposed to be the troll, me or kye7.

Well, I wasn't (intentionally) trolling, and I don't think you were either.