Netflix

Money Heist, Squid Game, Lupin: Subscribers Decry Netflix’s Poor Content Translation


Netflix is a global streaming giant that offers a vast array of content in multiple languages. However, subscribers have expressed challenges in following translated content on the platform.


Despite Netflix's attempts to provide options like dubbing, subtitles, and closed captions, viewers have lamented the accuracy of translations.

Users are questioning if they truly experience the dialogue as native speakers do.  They worry about missing subtle meanings from the original scriptwriters' word choices.


Dubbing


Dubbing, a popular choice, involves adding English dialogue to the original soundtrack. While it allows viewers to consume foreign language content, it often results in the least accurate translation as has been reported for Squid Game.


It appears that Netflix translators often face the challenge of finding phrases matching the original length and synchronizing with actors' mouth movements. This can lead to compromises that distort the intended meaning.


Closed Captions


Closed captions are transcribed directly from dubbed audio. They can easily reflect any translation errors made during the dubbing process. Closed captioning can face similar challenges to dubbing, hindering an accurate representation of the original dialogue.


Subtitles


Subtitles, while theoretically a solution, face practical constraints. They must fit on the screen and be short enough for comfortable reading, leading to the omission of words and loss of subtle nuances.


Users have expressed frustration on social media platforms, particularly Twitter, decrying Netflix's bad translation of movies and shows.


The outcry reflects collective dissatisfaction, with subscribers sharing experiences where the essence of the original dialogue was lost or distorted, impacting their overall viewing experience.


A concerning trend emerges as users point out that some movies are translated with different characters, making Netflix a hub of repetitive, unoriginal content.


This raises questions about the quality control measures for translations.  Critics say this trend compromises storytelling and the platform's credibility.


The absence of cultural context in titles such as Squid Game has become evident. Cultural nuances play a vital role in understanding and appreciating a story fully.


When translations lack cultural context, viewers miss out on layers of meaning embedded in the narrative.


Another notable observation is the prevalence of a significant amount of murder and violence in content targeted at non-Western audiences.


This raises questions about the appropriateness of content and the cultural sensitivity exercised in curating offerings for different regions.