On dubbing

Ms. Lala is right. The notion to dub movies is perplexing (The Jakarta Post, May 8, 1996). How could the minister of education and culture even have come up with this idea?

My own opinion is that some English words cannot be translated into Indonesia, therefore the meaning will be changed when a show is dubbed. English is a flexible language. It is representative.

Worse, dubbing doesn't sound natural and is often annoying. Foreign actors talk very naturally. I cannot imagine if their voices were dubbed over. That would take the pleasure out of watching a show, and spoil the art of acting.

Again Lala was right. Watching and listening to foreign movies has contributed to my proficiency in English.

I don't like the idea of dubbing foreign movies. I assume that perhaps it is meant for Indonesians who cannot read, which I can tolerate. The idea of dubbing every foreign movie is ridiculous.

RITA SOEMARNO

Jakarta