Should Cinemas in Germany and France Show More English-Subtitled Films?

Recently, the debate over the use of English subtitles in cinemas has intensified, with some discussions suggesting a shift towards showing all films in the original English with subtitles, rather than their local language versions. This proposal, often championed by English speakers and expatriates, has sparked significant controversy in Germany and France, where national pride and cultural preservation are highly valued.

Current Circumstances and Proponents of Change

Supporters of the change argue that promoting English as the default language in cinemas can help people learn a second language. They reason that the increasing number of jobs requiring fluency in English makes it essential for citizens to be more adept in the language. However, the reality on the ground in both Germany and France suggests a different story.

Current Language Policies and Employer Requirements

According to job market data, the demand for fluent English is actually quite limited. Most jobs in Germany and France require proficiency in the local language, especially German in Germany. While English may be a plus, it is not an absolute requirement for many positions. For example, in Germany, numerous jobs ask for fluent German rather than fluent English.

Local employers recognize the value of fluency in the primary language, emphasizing it over English. This is illustrated by the fact that many companies still conduct internal communications, meetings, and training sessions in German. Substantiating this, a survey found that 83% of German companies require at least a basic level of German. Therefore, promoting the idea that all films should be shown in English with subtitles could be seen as a form of linguistic invasion, undermining the importance of maintaining national identity through language.

Focus on the Importance of Cultural Identity

Language is deeply connected to cultural identity. Many argue that showing films only in the original English with subtitles would be a disrespectful invasion, ignoring the importance of keeping the local language intact. This perspective is shared by many native speakers who feel that their identity might be violated if their movies are only available in English.

One commenter asserts that national languages are deeply ingrained in our brains, making it difficult to accept a change to English. They emphasize that movies should be shown in the original language, with subtitles provided for those who do not speak the language. This viewpoint is supported by the observation that if most viewers opted for sub-titled versions, the demand for translated versions would naturally decrease.

Practical Objections and Viewer Preferences

Another argument against showing all films in English is the practical difficulty of reading subtitles in a cinema setting. Many viewers, including non-native English speakers, may struggle to keep up with the fast-paced dialogue. It is noted that some individuals, like the author's husband, find it challenging to follow along with too much text at once, making it impossible to fully enjoy the film in theaters.

Besides, the majority of the population may not be fluent in English. While it is required as a second language in schools, many adults still prefer to use their native tongue in daily communication. Offering English versions on platforms like YouTube can serve as an alternative for those who want to learn or practice the language without the pressure of a foreign film in the cinema.

Impact on Different Age Groups

For younger viewers, the argument against English subtitles in cinemas extends to children. Kids' movies should remain in their original language, as children may not have enough English proficiency to follow the dialogue. Additionally, very young children may not be able to read or read slowly, making it impossible for them to keep up. This could result in a ban on child-friendly movies or a significant loss of ticket sales for such films.

In conclusion, the debate over showing all films in English with subtitles in cinemas in Germany and France highlights the importance of balancing the need for language improvement with the preservation of cultural and national identity. While there is value in promoting second languages, the practical and cultural concerns raised by many suggest that it is more feasible to keep movies in their original languages, with the option for subtitles for those who need it.