Subject: All solutions require skill.
Author:
Posted on: 2016-02-07 19:57:00 UTC
However, they require different skills. I would normally just say "Rule of Funny," but it's a bit more complicated than that. Normally, it would make more sense to just mention the language so that people are aware, but translate all dialogue, maybe with a transliterated accent – otherwise, it's difficult and obnoxious for the reader to follow. So I would say if you intend to translate, don't bother with footnotes.
But sometimes, IF you think it'll work in text, it can be more fun to leave that dialogue completely untranslated, and let the reader figure it out from context. An example, using my own agents:
"I call this meeting to order," Mohan said, giving a meaningful look at his fellow Cafeteria workers. "All present and accounted for?"
"Aye."
"Rrrnn."
"Good. First order of business– the Agents are complaining about the sentient mold demons in the soda machine again."
"Nnngh ernch, ¥#%••§ warhesch," Jof replied.
Mohan suppressed a snort of laughter. "Don't hold back, Jof. How do you really feel?"
"He's right," Lynn said. "They're always complaining about something. If we get rid of the mold demons, they'll just start grousing about the arsenic on the silverware or something."
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You see what I mean? A footnote would 1) break the flow of the text, and 2) be less funny than whatever the reader imagines. It's like the rule of horror movies. The more you leave to the imagination, the funnier it is. But if you think the dialogue is central enough that it needs to be translated, I would strongly recommend that you put the translations in-text.