What does dub mean?
The word dub refers to the short word for ‘dubbing’. It is the process of recording the script of a film series or animation into a foreign language and then replacing it in the original movie. This is very common in live-action movies and shows too. But it is particularly more common in animation where there is less concern about the audio matching up with each character’s mouth movements.
A common example of dubbing is in Turkish dramas. Ertugul and other relevant Turkish dramas because of their popularity have dubbed versions into other languages like Urdu and many others to make sure the viewers understand the dialogues.
The word dub has origins in Hollywood in the late 1920s around the time when the first movie with sound was introduced. It comes from the word “double,” since the process of dubbing means creating a second vocal track. The main purpose of dubbing is to create ease for the viewers. When a writer writes and a director directs, they are doing so in ways they expect whatever message they are sending will be understood by the public.
And this mostly occurs through dialogue or narration. English dubs of anime can be great for English viewers. They can hear the characters speak in their language because they are more familiar with the language. And they can recognize the small quirks and changes in the tones of the voice actor.
In contemporary usage, “dub” has become synonymous with various musical and artistic practices, particularly within the realms of reggae, hip-hop, and electronic music. In the context of reggae music, “dub” refers to a subgenre characterized by remixing and manipulating existing tracks to create new versions with emphasis on instrumental elements and studio effects. Similarly, in hip-hop culture, “dub” may refer to the practice of creating instrumental versions of songs or adding vocal overlays to existing tracks.
In the realm of film and media, “dub” is often associated with the process of re-recording dialogue or adding voiceovers in a different language. This practice, known as “dubbing,” allows films and television shows to be distributed to audiences who speak different languages, ensuring accessibility and global reach. While dubbing is common in international cinema, it can sometimes be controversial, as it may alter the original artistic vision or tone of the work.
Beyond its more formal and technical meanings, “dub” is also used colloquially as slang in various contexts. In urban slang, “dub” may refer to a failure or disappointment, as in “taking a dub” or “catching a dub.” Additionally, “dub” is sometimes used as an abbreviation for the number 20, particularly in the context of street slang or hip-hop culture.
The word “dub” carries with it a sense of creativity, innovation, and cultural expression. Whether in the realm of music, film, or everyday conversation, “dub” embodies the dynamic nature of language and its capacity to adapt and evolve over time. From its humble origins in medieval knighthood to its contemporary associations with music production and global media, “dub” serves as a testament to the enduring power of language to shape and reflect human experience.
What does Sub mean?
The word sub refers to the short form of subtitles. These are the lines of text that appear at the bottom of the screen that translates the spoken dialogue into another language. Subtitles appear either as a script or a screenplay, commentary in films, television programs, video games, and a lot more. They can either be a form of written translation of a dialogue in a foreign language. Or it is a written rendering of the dialogue in the same language.
Subtitles have some origins in captions as accessibility tools for the deaf. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was passed in 1990 because it helped in making physical structures more accessible to all.