The Language Barrier in MLPU · 5:54am Jul 29th, 2014
It doesn't exist. I started thinking about it while writing the next chapter of Captain Equestria, because this will be the first story to include foreign characters that are actually important to the story. I was thinking about how I could write a German accent for Dr. Rienstien, the goat scientist that created the Super Soldier Serum, when it hit me.
I don't need foreign languages. They add literally nothing. You can't even argue authenticity because so far every character in the show, pony or not, has spoken god damn English. And I mean American English. Yes some characters have foreign accents, but they still speak primarily English in that accent.
On top of that it irratates the ever living hell out of me when I see a foreign language in a mostly English fanfic. As if the author expects you to go on some shitty translater just so you can keep up with what's being said. Really? Really?! Fuck you author dude!
If they use it to get the main character uncomfortable that's one thing, but when every character in a scene is speaking a language I don't know it makes me want to scream. I mean is it to much to ask for a general translation in the authors note? It'd be a huge fucking help. Seriously I don't know if anyone else has used it, but Google translate is a pos. It only seems to do direct translation. Still, why the hell should I have to do homework to read a fanfic?
Oh cool, I'm ranting about some inane thing that bugs me! Plus one to Speech Craft.
Anyways, there are of course times when foreign languages are appropriate in pony fanfics and even add to the story a little. For example cursing or short, common phrases. So long as the important peices of a conversation can be read you're good to go. However if you do decide to write entire conversations in German, French, Russian, Celtic, Spanish or whatever, please, please, please put a translation in the Author's note.
Now back to the MLPU. MLP doesn't seem to have foreign languages so neither will my super hero universe based off if it. Nuff said.
Stay Tuned.
I've always imagined that when characters who for all intents and purposes should be speaking in a foreign language (Like Red Skull and Arnim Zola in Cap1) it's just being translated for our benefit, for the exact reasons you mentioned. Otherwise it just alienates the viewers and readers.
2325285 Well it's different in movies. They can add subtitles. In the written word we don't have that advantage.
Works for me. Also, about Call Me Doctor Octopus... as soon as I get around to updating it, you'll be in for a doozy of a plot twist. Hint: When is an accident not an accident? Also, Mysterio, Electro, and a reformed Vulture will be Doc Ock's partners/allies... so keep your eyes peeled... heh heh heh...
2325594 Oohh... looks like most of the original Sinister six. I'm curious to see where Sandman and Kraven are in all of this.
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Well, I had planned on Sandmare being an evil Pinkie Pie... but, if you can help me figure out someone else for her, as well as villains, then maybe I can use Zecora for Kraven.
2325696
Actually, on second thought, Pinkie Pie is still going to be a member of the Sinister Six, which consists of: Twilight/Green Goblin, Rarity/Hobgoblin ( Twilight isn't thrilled about Hobgoblin being around, but it's through their efforts and the efforts of Sweetie Belle/ Gray Goblin that the Goblin Underground is formed), Flutterbat, the Living Vampony, Applejack/Shocker, Pinkie Pie/Sandmare, and Rainbow Dash/Scorpion. Ta-da!
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Change of plans had a change of plans. Zecora stays, and I've put VampDash up to creating a sixth anti-hero. Oh, and Zecora Kravinoff will either not talk much or not rhyme.
2325790 This is startingto feel like a cconversation that needs to be in PM's. No offense, but it has nothing to do with my blog post. And if you're not going to rhyme with Zecora, don't use her.