The fast way to writing foreign words and meaning in your book
A friend recently came to me with a foreign words question, specifically about translating New Zealand Maori.
She asked what was the best way to introduce and use foreign words and foreign phrases in an autobiography, memoir, biography or life story?
Curiosity sent me on a deep dive of style guides to confirm some suggestions.
Even if you don’t write many foreign words you probably use jargon or vernacular that will need explanation before your book gets to the publishing stage.
I know, as an Aussie, we use loads of slang that leaves non-Aussies puzzled!
So read on for some you beaut (excellent) ways to deal with foreign words and expressions in your writing.
When is a word foreign?
You might not consider the words you use in your writing to be foreign.
So how do you know which words deserve and need special treatment for your reader?
A good rule is to check if the word made the cut in your dictionary of choice.
It is important to pick and use one dictionary when writing.
This will give your writing consistency.
Most countries have a designated dictionary used by schools, workplaces, government and the media.
For example, in Australia many people – myself included – use the Macquarie Dictionary.
If a word is in the dictionary it is safe to assume it’s well used and understood.
However, if the word isn’t listed, conclude it is rarely used and foreign.
Of course, if a word appears in your dictionary and you still think it requires an explanation for YOUR reader, go ahead.
But don’t go over the top. Do so sparingly so you don’t bombard your audience and stifle their reading flow.
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Italics meaning
When writing foreign words or foreign phrases make them clear for your reader.
A good way is to change the words to italics (or use underline if writing by hand).
The font switch clearly identifies what words are foreign.
It also highlights that the words are different, deserve emphasis and attention.
As a general rule I would not italise foreign words that are proper nouns, such as place names or people’s names.
Also skip italics for subsequent mentions of a foreign word that is used so many times in your book it becomes commonplace.
And when you get two foreign words together, one familiar and the other unfamiliar, err on the side of caution and italise both.
When to use single quotes
After introducing a foreign word in italics offer its meaning or a direct translation.
Do this using single quotes or parentheses.
For example:
- The youngsters said g’day (good day) to each other at the beach.
- The youngsters said g’day ‘good day’ to each other at the beach.
Which option you pick will be up to you, your style and reader.
But choose one way and use consistently – don’t interchange.
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Glossary meaning
Finally, another way to help your reader grasp foreign words is to make a glossary.
These are handy dictionary-type pages that appear at the back of a book.
The section is also listed in the index to let the reader know first thing.
Each foreign word is listed alphabetically with an explanation.
Also use a glossary for dialect words that appear in your book and other words that are technical, new, unfamiliar or difficult for your reader.
Some glossaries will be a handful of words where others will be several pages.
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Final say: foreign words
Using foreign words and sayings in your book can make your writing colourful and enchanting.
Help communicate foreign words correctly by using: a dictionary, italics, parenthesis or single quotes, and a glossary.
These simple tips will make your writing easy to understand and follow.
Because remember, clear writing equals rewarding reading!
Happy writing!
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What is an example of a foreign word you have used in your writing? Educate us on its meaning! Drop me an email or leave a reply in the comments section at the end of this article.
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This article first appeared on the website Forever Young Autobiographies.com.