Letter to the Editor

Sir,

I couldn't disagree more with your recent editorial, which suggested that the country had enough problems and therefore it was unnecessary, or even misguided, to introduce a draft law that instituted subtitling, rather than dubbing, for foreign-language films. In fact, this is an extremely good idea by the government that should be broadly endorsed.

Subtitling, rather than dubbing, has long been associated with superior foreign language ability. Countries that subtitle generally tend to be good in foreign languages. Examples include the Scandinavian countries, but also The Netherlands. Countries that dub systematically tend to be relatively poor in foreign languages, examples including Germany (in spite of extensive high-quality teaching in schools), France, and Spain. Georgia has great opportunities if it develops extensive foreign language skills in English, Russian and ideally in yet other languages (French, Persian, Turkish, German). Subtitling is one important step in that right direction.

However, there is an even more important argument in favour of foreign languages. Average families in Georgia watch television for around three hours per day. Extensive international studies have shown that television has a negative impact on children and youth - but this impact can be reversed if children watch television in a foreign language, with subtitles. In fact, some experts have gone as far as suggesting that television with subtitles helps children to learn reading, since they need to rely on subtitles to recognise what is being said. In other words, by subtitling television becomes a powerful educational instrument that strengthens the link to language per se, including one's own national language.

This draft law is an excellent public policy initiative by the government. It is cheap, comprehensive, turns a potential problem (TV consumption by children and youths) into a real asset, and could greatly mobilise economic and social opportunities in Georgia. It deserves unqualified support.

Best regards,
Dr. Hans Gutbrod

This letter refers to our editorial of Thursday July 16, “The Government wants us to learn English by watching films.”