The language tag has no wiki summary.
15
votes
8answers
496 views
Could I reach the level of good writing style as non-native language speaker?
I currently write in Russian, but I think of switching to English to gain more audience and to play with both languages and linguistics.
So could I ever reach the level of native English writers and ...
11
votes
7answers
220 views
Should I translate my own writings into a second language I also know well?
Nabokov was very discouraged when he translated his Lolita into Russian. And he spent half a year on it. So should I try the translation myself?
11
votes
6answers
374 views
How can I effectively invent a language?
I want to make a particular language that adapts to the story. And the language has to have x and y and e characteristics for example.
Is there a protocol to follow on the process of making a ...
8
votes
7answers
580 views
Using slang as a narrator - pros and cons
Is it advisable to use slang and euphemisms as a narrator, in addition to the main characters who use it? Are there arguments for and against it?
For example, if I were to write about street thugs ...
5
votes
4answers
99 views
Should one blog in a few languages?
Greetings. I've been blogging for a while now and I do it in Russian. But, some of my English-speaking... AHEM "Internet-friends" are unable to read my personal blog, 'cause they're just not familiar ...
5
votes
1answer
160 views
Are different styles/storylines prefered in different languages/cultures?
I am German. Can I apply the hints for style or story-building given here, or by English authors, without a second thought to my own work written in German? Or are there differences in how style or ...
4
votes
1answer
321 views
When parodying a song, how important is it to replace words with homophones thereof?
I often decide to parody songs to adapt them to different contexts -- mainly for fun, for improving my English and causing an healthy amount of groans into people who read my creations.
However, I ...
4
votes
4answers
298 views
Believable (but easy) archaic English
Do you know any "shortcuts" to translating passages of my story into believably sounding archaic English? I mean, without taking a full school course?
A crash course? An automatic service? A phrase ...
4
votes
2answers
233 views
Using latin words in fantasy
While i have seen at least a few cases if Latin being used in both fantasy and sifi i still wonder how it is perceived and how much is tolerated.
Being primarily a gamer the first that come to mind ...
4
votes
3answers
119 views
Analogies, pitfalls and guidelines
Analogies can be powerful tools in both explaining and misrepresenting a complex topic. What methodology works well for finding good analogies and how does one figure out whether an analogy is well ...
3
votes
3answers
166 views
How many different words are in the average novel?
I realize there's going to be a bit of variation here from one author to the next and depending on length of the novel, but the range shouldn't really be too large.
The thing is, I really have no ...
2
votes
2answers
96 views
Which language to use when writing a multinational story
I'm Brazilian and I'm writing a book in portuguese. However the story takes place first in Europe, i.e. Italy, Portugal, and London. Of course this requires of me some research about the culture of ...
1
vote
2answers
141 views
What free tools are there to help me improve my English?
I am in the process of writing a research paper in Computer Science. Are there any free tools/browser plugins/web sites/latex plugins that would help me improve my English? I am looking for some nice ...
1
vote
1answer
40 views
An adjective relating to the circus?
I'm looking for an adjective which essentially means "of or relating to the circus." My context is:
As they stood in the doorway, taking in the circus-like activities around them...
But ...
-2
votes
1answer
60 views
Writing in second language [closed]
I am an Indonesian but mostly write in English. Most of my poems are written in English. What terms and rules should I notice? considering that my idea comes to mind in English not my native ...
