Question About Style
I am going to try something a little different this week and throw a discussion topic out for comment.
I have received some critical comments on the first 2 books in the Origins series about ‘modern’ language used by aliens and humans in the past that rehash discussions/debates I had with quite a few people before publication. The question is: Specific to science fiction and historical fiction, is it acceptable to use modern phrasing for aliens and humans in the past? (I’m talking mild stuff like calling someone a dick as an insult, not someone walking up to another saying ‘sup homie, what it is yo’)
My position is YES it is acceptable. Technically aliens are talking in their own language so they are actually saying ep-op-orc-ahah with some squeaks and whistles thrown in. The reader is reading the author’s translation, and the author making that translation into common language for the reader is not only acceptable, but preferable by most.
(On a related topic, I also took some flak for aliens equating having balls with being brave/manly. My thought here is that’s a very basic concept in nature and all animals. Dogs mount each other to show dominance. All pack animals (primates, jungle cats, etc.) yield to the Alpha in the group and let him have the females. The peacock who displays the largest spread of tail feathers gets the females. I might be wrong, but I took this reference to be pretty universal in nature and have no problem envisioning alien races attributing similar masculine value to their reproductive organs. I digress though, so back to the question at hand).
If you are writing about Victorian England, then the speech patterns of the characters would be filled with herin, thereof, thou shalt, and so on. Have you tried reading Pride and Prejudice or War and Peace lately? They are fine novels, but the language turns today’s readers off. The same with Shakespeare, much of his work are masterpieces yet few actually read it outside of school assignments because of the language, which is period accurate.
Again, I contend that the author translating the period language into more modern phrasing (again, within reason) for the benefit of the reader’s enjoyment is acceptable. What are your thoughts on the topic?
I have received some critical comments on the first 2 books in the Origins series about ‘modern’ language used by aliens and humans in the past that rehash discussions/debates I had with quite a few people before publication. The question is: Specific to science fiction and historical fiction, is it acceptable to use modern phrasing for aliens and humans in the past? (I’m talking mild stuff like calling someone a dick as an insult, not someone walking up to another saying ‘sup homie, what it is yo’)
My position is YES it is acceptable. Technically aliens are talking in their own language so they are actually saying ep-op-orc-ahah with some squeaks and whistles thrown in. The reader is reading the author’s translation, and the author making that translation into common language for the reader is not only acceptable, but preferable by most.
(On a related topic, I also took some flak for aliens equating having balls with being brave/manly. My thought here is that’s a very basic concept in nature and all animals. Dogs mount each other to show dominance. All pack animals (primates, jungle cats, etc.) yield to the Alpha in the group and let him have the females. The peacock who displays the largest spread of tail feathers gets the females. I might be wrong, but I took this reference to be pretty universal in nature and have no problem envisioning alien races attributing similar masculine value to their reproductive organs. I digress though, so back to the question at hand).
If you are writing about Victorian England, then the speech patterns of the characters would be filled with herin, thereof, thou shalt, and so on. Have you tried reading Pride and Prejudice or War and Peace lately? They are fine novels, but the language turns today’s readers off. The same with Shakespeare, much of his work are masterpieces yet few actually read it outside of school assignments because of the language, which is period accurate.
Again, I contend that the author translating the period language into more modern phrasing (again, within reason) for the benefit of the reader’s enjoyment is acceptable. What are your thoughts on the topic?
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Your "modern speak" is one of the many reasons I have enjoyed both books in the Origins series and, IMHO, what makes them unique, refreshing and so great! I don't think the humorous passages would have gone over very well at all if we'd had to read through all of the nonsensical wordiness of the period language.I also agree that "size matters" is probably universal :)
And the following is probably universal (at least from some of the guys standpoint): It's not the quantity, but the quality.Glad to meet another fan of the Origins series Robin!
Robin wrote: "Your "modern speak" is one of the many reasons I have enjoyed both books in the Origins series and, IMHO, what makes them unique, refreshing and so great! I don't think the humorous passages would..."
Robin wrote: "Your "modern speak" is one of the many reasons I have enjoyed both books in the Origins series and, IMHO, what makes them unique, refreshing and so great! I don't think the humorous passages would..."
Me too, Readalot! I love both of these books and cannot wait until the 3rd is released to see what Hastelloy and the boys are up to. I think Mark is a wonderful writer who has a long, successful writing career ahead of him! He's also a very nice person - I have really enjoyed "chatting" with him :)
I agree. I couldn't believe his first book was his first! It caught me from the beginning, and I read through the night and was sorely disappointed when I had finished it as there was a wait until book 2.He is the best indie author that I have read.
I personally prefer them to sound modern and much like us. I wouldn't be surprised were we to make 'first contact' to find that they are able to speak our language, or one we are familiar with.
That's my story and I'm sticking to it!