English Novel

Is it ok to use foreign words when writing an English story or novel?

How will non-Filipino readers take to a novel written in English but with some Filipino terms/words? Should translations/definitions be included? How?

Definitely use foreign words! It adds flavor and realism to your story. I’d shy away from footnotes in a novel. There are ways to use non-English words without making your readers feel like they’re getting a lecture on Filipino.

In dialogue, if you provide enough context, readers should be able to figure out a word or two at a time. Greetings and nicknames are pretty much universal. And You Can always have another character respond in English. If the reader has the answer, they can usually figure out the question on their own.

Another way is to simply to add a comma after the first time the unfamiliar word is used. For example (in Spanish): “Hola, hello…” And then just use hola from then on out.

The Master and Margarita (English subtitles). Part 1 (1 / 5)