1 Topic by Dirk B. (edited by Dirk B. 2019-07-07 22:48:39)

Topic: Italian vs. English names - LOTE

My current work in progress is set in Rome, Italy for most of the story. Since I'm writing for an English-speaking audience, I've avoided the language issue by writing the story entirely in English without trying to explain why Italian characters all speak English. However, I use Italian character names, but English for other names. For example, Italy has a State Police, which is called Polizia di Stato, and a CSI team called Polizia Scientifica. I think most English-speaking readers would understand the Italian version of those names based on context, but there are other words that they would not, such as the Italian words for constable (Agente), senior constable (Agente scelto), chief inspector (Ispettore Capo), etc. I'd like to use Italian names wherever possible to give the story an Italian feel, but I see no way to reconcile that with words that don't readily translate to English unless you use Google Translate.

Suggestions?

Quote Post 1

Re: Italian vs. English names - LOTE

You can rely on context.  If a cop is called Agente, I think people will figure out that means "cop."  I soon figured out that "Garde" meant cop in Jack Taylor.  Didn't need to consult an Irish-English dictionary.  The context will carry the Agente scelto, too.  If the Agente defers to the Agente scelto. Just carry it by context.  I have the same problem when I have characters talk in pseudo-Welsh, and that's how I do it.  (If it's a long dialogue, I translate in a parenthesis.)

Quote Post 2

Re: Italian vs. English names - LOTE

Sounds ambitious.

Quote Post 3

Re: Italian vs. English names - LOTE

It's okay that the dialogues are in English because it's supposed the characters are speaking Italian. It's like when you read a translation of the Three Musketeers. They live in France and are supposed to be speaking French, but you're reading it in English. But no reader complains or expects the dialogues in French! So, don't worry about that part.

As for using certain words (like the police titles) in the native language, it certainly gives the story a local flavor that many readers enjoy. So, go for it. To prevent the readers from not understating the meanings, I've read stories where the foreign words are translated the first time they appear. For example:

"John knew he had to talk to an Agente Scelto--a senior constable."

You only mention it once and rely on the readers memory who now know the translation. No biggie.

Kiss,

Gacela

Quote Post 4

Re: Italian vs. English names - LOTE

All good ideas. Thank you. I'll try using context, and if that fails, I'll translate it on first usage.

Thanks for your help.

Quote Post 5

6 Reply by Dirk B. (edited by Dirk B. 2018-11-22 05:17:11)

Re: Italian vs. English names - LOTE

New wrinkle. I probably shouldn't use Italian for some words (e.g., police ranks & organizations) and not for others (e.g., types/ranks of clergy, Catholic Church, St. Peter's Basilica, etc.). And I don't trust Google Translate to give the correct Italian translation for everything I have to name.

Thoughts?

Quote Post 6

Re: Italian vs. English names - LOTE

Dirk B. wrote:

New wrinkle. I probably shouldn't use Italian for some words (e.g., police ranks & organizations) and not for others (e.g., types/ranks of clergy, Catholic Church, St. Peter's Basilica, etc.). And I don't trust Google Translate to give the correct Italian translation for everything I have to name.

Thoughts?

I’d focus on writing your story and just keep a glossary of words, terms you think you might need to deal with eventually and sort it out down the line.

Quote Post 7

Re: Italian vs. English names - LOTE

I would think that using a sprinkling of the words for the police officers, etc. which will likely be addressed directly throughout the story would suffice to give an authentic feel. Names of churches and such which you are now pondering probably aren't going to be addressed directly and will play no "active" part within the story so could be excluded without any loss of authenticity for the reader who will most likely fill in the blanks naturally and not give it a second thought. The story is the key. If it keeps interest, then the little idiosyncrasies of which words to put in Italian will fall by the wayside with little more effect than an unnoticed stranger in the crowd. Just my opinion. Take care. Vern

Quote Post 8