{"id":5998,"date":"2024-03-05T15:14:00","date_gmt":"2024-03-05T15:14:00","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/wp.novlr.org\/?post_type=writing_tips&#038;p=5998"},"modified":"2024-03-05T15:14:01","modified_gmt":"2024-03-05T15:14:01","slug":"how-to-write-a-language-barrier","status":"publish","type":"writing_tips","link":"https:\/\/www.novlr.org\/the-reading-room\/writing_tips\/how-to-write-a-language-barrier\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Write a Language Barrier"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>Communication is a cornerstone of any good characterisation. But for some characters there may be elements that block traditionally clear communication, and language barriers are just one example of that. Every interaction is filled with potential misunderstandings or revelations of clarity. Let\u2019s explore how to bring language barriers to life in your writing, showing the struggles and triumphs that come with characters trying to connect across language and culture.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Understand the role of language in your story<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Consider the cultural and geographical context of your characters.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Explore the historical ties or conflicts that might have led to the language differences.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Determine the significance of the language barrier to the plot\u2014is it an obstacle, a source of conflict, or a way to deepen character relationships?<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>How can you use language to illustrate the power dynamics between characters?<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>What is the emotional impact of miscommunication on all your characters?<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Why do you want to write about language barriers? If it\u2019s just for the sake of a miscommunication trope, consider if there\u2019s perhaps a better way for you to achieve the same aim.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Have you taken the time to understand the culture whose language you are trying to represent?<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Characterisation through language<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Incorporate a mix of languages or dialects to enrich the authenticity of the setting and the characters\u2019 experiences.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Pay attention to the non-verbal communication cues that can transcend language barriers, such as body language and facial expressions.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Respectfully <a href=\"https:\/\/novlr.org\/the-reading-room\/a-foolproof-character-cheat-sheet-with-downloadable-template\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">create characters<\/a> with varying degrees of proficiency in the language they&#8217;re learning or interacting with.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Use language as a way to show a character&#8217;s adaptability, intelligence, or stubbornness.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Let characters&#8217; reactions to the language barrier drive their development throughout the story.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Consider how language barriers may influence a character&#8217;s inner thoughts and how they perceive the world around them.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The mechanics of writing dialogue<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Don\u2019t overuse accents or continually spell them out. Use description to signal a character\u2019s struggle instead of phonetically writing it.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Suggest broken language skills by using simple words, or incorrect grammar, but don\u2019t resort to stereotypes.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>If you choose to write an accent phonetically, don\u2019t repeat this for every line of dialogue. Use it once as an example, and then use description to give the sense of it moving forward.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Balance readability with authenticity\u2014make sure the dialogue is understandable to your audience in a way that is still respectful to your character.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Foster immersion through context rather than a direct translation of foreign words which often don&#8217;t hold the same meaning. Using vocabulary that characters and readers can deduce from context strengthens the narrative and characterisation.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Present the characters&#8217; linguistic progression realistically, showing their learning curve and how it affects their interactions.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Non-verbal communication<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Emphasise body language, facial expressions, and gestures to show communication without spoken language.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Use context clues and the characters&#8217; surroundings to help convey meaning.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Explore how misunderstandings can arise from non-verbal miscommunications, but also show when non-verbal communication helps clarify things that can\u2019t be conveyed verbally.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Consider the situational context that might enhance or impede non-verbal understanding among characters. For example, in high-tension scenes, even subtle gestures can carry heavy meaning.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Acknowledge cultural variations in body language and educate readers subtly through the narrative.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Describe the physical environment as it can also influence the way characters use non-verbal communication\u2014proximity, personal space, and even the weather can all play roles.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The emotional impact of language barriers<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Show how characters find innovative ways to express themselves and connect with others.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Describe the frustration, isolation, or desperation that characters may feel when they can&#8217;t communicate.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Use the language barrier to create poignant moments of miscommunication and resolution.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Show how shared experiences can forge bonds that transcend words and even serve as a foundation for trust.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Explore the characters&#8217; emotional journeys as they navigate through their inability to communicate. This can lead to a deeper understanding of each other over time, despite the initial hurdles.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Consider the long-term effects of language barriers on relationships and character psyche, both positive and negative.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Research and authenticity<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/novlr.org\/the-reading-room\/how-to-research-and-bring-authentic-history-to-your-fiction\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Study<\/a> the languages you are writing about, including their structure and common phrases. If you\u2019re writing a fantasy language, then research common language structures on which to base your characters\u2019 experiences.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Understand the culture tied to the language to avoid stereotyping and to provide richer detail. For real languages, do research, for fictional languages, work on some deep <a href=\"https:\/\/novlr.org\/the-reading-room\/6-essential-ingredients-for-building-your-fantasy-world\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">worldbuilding<\/a> for authenticity.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>If possible, talk to speakers of the language you\u2019re writing about, or speak to folks who have experienced a similar language barrier more generally.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Seek feedback from native speakers or cultural experts to ensure accurate representation and to honour the community&#8217;s linguistic nuances.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Be mindful of the socio-political influences on language and communication, presenting these complexities through your characters&#8217; interactions either through worldbuilding, or researching real-world etymology.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group alignfull has-text-color has-background is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\" style=\"color:#000000;background-color:#f8f9fc\">\n<div style=\"height:64px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" data-src=\"http:\/\/wp.novlr.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/combined-1-1.png\" alt=\"Novlr logo\" class=\"wp-image-5163 lazyload\" width=\"150\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.novlr.org\/the-reading-room\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/combined-1-1.png 778w, https:\/\/www.novlr.org\/the-reading-room\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/combined-1-1-300x75.png 300w, https:\/\/www.novlr.org\/the-reading-room\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/combined-1-1-768x192.png 768w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 778px) 100vw, 778px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\" id=\"schedule-a-visit\" style=\"font-size:49px;font-style:normal;font-weight:400;line-height:1.15\"><strong>Ready to achieve your writing goals? Join Novlr today.<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-horizontal is-content-justification-center is-layout-flex wp-container-core-buttons-is-layout-499968f5 wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button has-custom-width wp-block-button__width-50\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link has-text-color has-background wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/novlr.org\/signup\" style=\"border-radius:50px;color:#ffffff;background-color:#212638\">Sign up. It&#8217;s free!<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:64px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"author":10,"featured_media":5999,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":""},"class_list":["post-5998","writing_tips","type-writing_tips","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.4 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>How to Write a Language Barrier | The Novlr Reading Room<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Let\u2019s explore how to write a language barrier, showing the struggles and joys that come with trying to connect across language and culture.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"noindex, follow\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_GB\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta 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