Question to everyone about foreign languages. While Darkwatck01 and Lumiere are currently the only players using one, I may choose to dabble in it at some point too. For both my own sake and others, I'd like to gauge player preferences on the subject. Should we... [list] [*] Write just the foreign language, and let the players translate? [u]Pros[/u]: It preserves the mystery of the foreign language. If the whole point of using that language in the story is to avoid being understood, translating it would ruin the story beat. Using foreign languages also lends an authentic atmosphere to the writing, which can be lost if translated. Players should not be pulled out of the experience; they should be immersed into it. [u]Cons[/u]: The players may miss out on crucial interactions, and it can be frustrating to players who would rather not waste effort translating or don't have the resources to. Additionally, it could be taken as an expression of distrust- as if the other players aren't capable of roleplaying characters who don't grasp a foreign language. [*] Write both the foreign language and its translation together? [u]Pros[/u]: This gets to keep part of the mystery of the foreign language, while also giving players a ready means of interpreting it. Consider putting the translation in a footnote. [u]Cons[/u]: Whether it's translated on the spot or in a footnote, the reader must break from immersion to read the translation. If it's translated on the spot, it makes using the foreign language redundant. If it's translated in a footnote, the player will either have to break their train of thought to go read it, or check it out long after the context is lost. [*] Write only the translation? [u]Pros[/u]: This allows players to see the full text of the foreign language speakers, and lets them share in whatever story beats the text has to offer. [u]Cons[/u]: There is a higher risk of godmoding- from other players. Where a foreign language might would leave us personally clueless as to its meaning and we write accordingly, a translated language can convey the usual array of thoughts and feelings, which can bleed into our responses when they shouldn't. Additionally, secrets cannot be hidden behind a translated foreign language. The characters might not know them, but the players will, and sometimes keeping the secrets from the players is more important. [*] Compromise! Use foreign languages when no other characters know it, and translate when one or more characters do know it? [u]Pros[/u]: This gets to keep all the perks of a foreign language, while also maintaining a degree of plausibility when other characters can understand it. [u]Cons[/u]: Judging who knows it and who doesn't can be tricky. Make a mistake, and a firestorm starts. Sticking to one or the other, translate or no translate, reduces conflict potential by introducing consistency. [/list] Your thoughts, everyone?