Remember that Joseph Conrad was a great writer, and English was his third language (after Polish and French). He is regarded as one of the finest prose stylists in English, and he didn't even learn English until he was an adult. I know this doesn't directly answer your question; I'm just trying to offer encouragement.
This is very true. A good example is Opera. There is a reason why a lot of it is in Italian, it flows beautifully. I'm told by my friends that come from countries where English is not the native, that English to them, sounds choppy at times and also like geese hissing.
I love reading a novel that includes certain foreign terms and names. If the writer can implement it well then it enriches the prose and adds something that would otherwise be missed in context to the culture the story is taking place in. An example would be the use of aficion in The Sun Also Rises.
To clarify: I personally would never use footnotes, and IMO footnotes are never attractive in a novel by a novice writer. I think a brilliant writer can manage to use them without alienating her reader, but in any case, a brilliant writer seldom needs them, so in fiction they are very rarely used. They tend to draw the reader out of the story in an irritating way (as does unexplained use of foreign words). Check out some good works. I bet you'd be hard put to find footnotes. (I'm not including Terry Pratchett's footnotes in this category because he lampoons footnotes for comic effect--he doesn't use them seriously.)
On a positive note, I, as a non-native English speaker, find it very easy to avoid cliched phrases, which I believe is not easy for a native speaker-writer. When I am stuck with cliches I just have to fell back on how I would write them in my native language, and voila, I have a new and exciting way of writing them. Believe me many of the writers from my country, India, succeed in English writing because of the influence of their native language background. They master English and then they add their rich cultural and language backgrounds in their English writing to become "terrific" writers. Many even coined new words and contribute to the ever expanding dimensions of English. You blamed your government for teaching English and not your native language, and I thank my government for doing the same. Of course, you can never write like a native speaker-writer, but that's not a curse but a boon. I remember my online writing class where most of the students where native speakers. The teachers and the students alike agreed that I brought something unique to my writing, and as a result, to the class.
Hello, Since English is not my native language, i have a problem with writing stories in too simplified English. My knowledge of the language is great, but i am used to writing in a simplified form and not use words that are not commonly used. I really want to start using them, since i believe they are the key to increasing your vocabulary and the reader's. So what you do suggest how to improve in this matter?
It is more important to write clearly, with accurate use of words than to try to dazzle readers with a sumptuous vocabulary. While it is great to possess a rich vocabulary, it is far more important to use each word correctly, and to understand its nuances, not only its broad dictionary definition. By all means, expand your vocabulary. Do so by reading good literature, and pay attention to the context in which new (to you) words are used. New writers often make the mistake of using half-understood words in their writing, often dredged from a thesaurus. The result is generally laughable, or worse yet, makes the reader cringe. Try not to trust your understanding of a word from only a single use. You may miss the fine connotations in a single context. Furthermore, you cannot always be certain the author used the word correctly. The dictionary can give you the denotation, which is the meaning of the word in the strictest sense. There may even be hints about the connotation (the implied meaniings that accompany the word) in examples, but you may miss the fact that certain words only fit well in certain contexts. Clarity is king. Precision is the crown prince.
the best way to improve and increase your vocabulary, aside from reading good writing, is to do the ny times daily crossword puzzles till you can finish them in under 30 minutes--in ink! then, graduate to the sunday ones... when you can complete them correctly in ink, in under 30 minutes, your vocabulary will be in fine shape... keep a regular dictionary handy not to help you solve the puzzle, but only to look up and study the meanings of all the new words you'll come across... keeping an unabridged dictionary on the kitchen/dining room table to browse through while you eat is also recommended... and keep another in the bathroom, to make good use of 'sitting' and bathtub-soaking time...
I have the same problem you do, mVd, and Cogito's advice is one you should keep with you until you master the language (or, at least have a very good understanding of it.) I write in simplified English too, but I find it better than to use words I don't know the meaning of. As you keep reading (in whatever genre you're interested, or just about anything you like) you're going to start getting used to certain words used in those genres; but be sure to understand the context in which the word was used.
Realistically in most cases, simplified English is better. The priority is making sure the reader understands your writing. I have a friend who was born in England but spent his whole school years in Spain. Obviously he's fluent in both languages, but sometimes it'll be throwing as he'll use a word or two that you wouldn't normally hear in a regular conversation. For example, I would say 'You should change that.', whereas he'd use a word such as modify. In my opinion, the simpler the language (while still allowing you to accurately describe what's going on) the better.
I am learning Spanish and someone mentioned they usually think in a simplified version of their own language and translate that so that vocabulary doesn't get in the way. The opposite might work for you. Think "grandly" in your native language and write it down. Try translating your work as truly as possible to your intended meaning in your native language. You should see a change in the flow and tone that matches your inner voice. I think that would help you a lot.
Write a basic sentence. Write several basic sentences. Write a few paragraphs, a few chapters, and finish a novel. Then you can go back and have fun with the words. Example: What is it they want? Surely there is a greater motive behind their menace behavior, or is keeping me up at night their solo objective. There must be more to it than that. Even as fictitious characters, existing only in my mind during moments of sheer exhaustion, there has to be reasoning. Nothing in nature exist for the mere sake of being annoying, although many people could argue on the contrary about a lot of species, such as skunks and mosquitoes, they still have a purpose. Elaborated into: What confines these insensible creatures to me? Surely their fundamental nature exceeds greatly beyond just menace behavior, or is withholding me nightly from my coveted sleep their solo objective? No, my nocturnal apprehension suggests to me otherwise. Even demonic fictitious characters, existing only in my uncanny mind during moments of sheer exhaustion must have some form of cohesive reasoning. Nothing in our planetary ecosystem exist for the mere sake of being annoying, although numerous people could argue on the contrary about several species, such as skunks and mosquitoes, they innately follow their biological impulses to survive. And I could get even fancier if I wanted. Point being, keep it basic, write the story, then go back and edit to a more ivy league level.
Dear MVD, I alsio had to learn to write in a foreign language and had the same concerns. My writing always ended up being shorter than native speakers and more simply expressed but was just as well received. My favourite author is Joseph Conrad. English was his third language! You can tell sometimes...only because he imports terms into the language and this can work too. Good luck Alex
There is no quick way to boost your vocabulary. It comes down to reading books at a high level, and looking up words in the dictionary that you don't understand and adding them to your bank. Also, like a puzzle, don't try to force a word into place where it doesn't belong. There's nothing wrong with using a simplified writing style. I don't think a single word in the entire Harry Potter series goes over my head, yet a lot of people think those books are great.
Learn to use the short Anglo Saxon words well first. They're the ones with punch. Keep the French words for when you've grown strong. (All the above and this is written in good old Anglo Saxon.) I'm half joking, but the point is that the anglo saxon part of English is often better understood by readers and is generally more effective in the writing of fiction. So you probably want to concentrate on that part of the language first, discovering the various nuances and colors of the individual words, rather than just piling a bunch of big-sounding words into your memory banks.
I just watched a training video from the BBCs online college on style and it mentionned that part of the power of Winston Churchill's prose came from the fact that as a child he didn't get on well with Latin and Greek and his language used essentially many anglo-saxon single syllable words rather than the Latin based longer creations. Whether he did this knowingly I don't know. He is quoted as saying that put the right piece of music on and he could write something that would move a country. (I am paraphrasing hugely)
As far as simplified writing goes, I suggest you read Raymond Carver. According to every Literature professor I've had, he is King of minimalism- proving you don't flowery prose to create effective and affecting literary works
Interesting! Which happens to be a latinate word for which there is no suitable substitute from the Anglo Saxon side... Those forbidding northern folk, so great for being grim!
I would like your opinion/advice on something. I'm not a native speaker, my native language is Dutch (Belgium). In what language should I write my ms? My dream is becoming a writer. But in which language is the question? My chances are probably higher in Dutch. But I do not like reading in Dutch as much as I like reading in English. That does also count for writing I'm afraid. I have this feeling inside that I would love my book more if I'd write it in English. If it matters to your opinion, I'm thinking about studying English and Dutch in university. Thanks!
Write in the language of the market you plan to sell to. In most cases, that should be the language you know best. But your choice will determine what publishers you deal with, and what agents. Whatever language you choose, you should be more than fluent in it.
this is the third thread in which you asked the samd question... i answered it in a duped thread you posted yesterday... you should ask a moderator to merge your threads, so we don't have to repeat ourselves...
The other thread was his New Member Intro thread. Someone suggested he ask it here instead, where it's more on topic. That's why neither thread has been removed. It was an acceptable reason for multiposting.
