Hey, try reading this... by
Bramandin
on 2016-02-08 14:37:00 UTC
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All solutions require skill. by
VixenMage
on 2016-02-07 19:57:00 UTC
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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."
----
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.
I would leave them out by
Dorano
on 2016-02-07 17:51:00 UTC
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...unless it's important what we understand what Za'kiir is saying. If it is, add the translations to the text - footnotes are a pain.
So, something like this...
Zakir: "(Words in Dovahzul)"
Partner: "What?"
Za'kiir: "(Translation of what he just said)"
The translation doesn't have to be word for word (in fact, given how Dovahzul works, it probably shouldn't be), but the gist of what Za'kiir is saying should be made clear.
(Now excuse me whilst I fangirl, I absolutely ADORE the Elder Scrolls series.)
Not familiar with Skyrim... by
Bramandin
on 2016-02-07 13:04:00 UTC
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Try not providing translations to the readers. If it doesn't work, you can change it.
If it's just a smattering of words that the reader can figure out their meaning, it's fine to just include them.
If he's talking to someone who will reply, see if the dialog works as a one-sided telephone conversation.
I'm not sure if this is correct writing, but I have seen fanfiction where a character says the non-english stuff and the translation directly follows.
Be careful with footnotes, they are annoying when they get too far away from the text that they are referring to.
Well... by
Desdendelle
on 2016-02-07 02:56:00 UTC
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If he talks like the Dovah themselves — ie, in a way that the Dovahzul is just added flavour — I think it's OK to leave it as-is. OTOH, if it's actually important for understanding what he says, use footnotes. In that case, though, use it sparingly because having to continuously refer to footnotes in order to understand a character's dialogue is a royal pain.