Sound advice

Regarding the recent debate about dubbing television programs, there are several points to consider. The first is esthetics. It is rather absurd watching a group of westerners speaking perfect Indonesian, or Chinese speaking perfect English, or Japanese speaking Chinese, or whatever.

The second point is educational value, which most television programs lack. At least when programs are in their original language the audience can learn something (one reason Scandinavians, for example, speak such good English is because they don't dub their television programs). In addition, children can practice their reading skills if subtitles are used.

From reading the letters in The Jakarta Post, one might think that all foreign programs on Indonesian television are from English speaking countries. In fact, I have seen programs whose original languages were Cantonese, Mandarin, Chinese and Spanish. In any case, it is not logical to complain about English or other foreign languages breaking into Indonesian homes. First of all, no one forces people to watch these programs. Secondly, if Indonesians think there are too many foreign programs on their television, they should make more programs themselves. Until then, watch foreign programs in their original language (whatever it may be) or, better still, turn off the television and read a book.

ERIC SCHEIHAGEN

Taipei, Taiwan