English or English? US or UK?

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[Weird Harold]

Does Lit. policy require 'foreign' writers to convert to US spellings and to alter their vocabulary to suit a US reading audience? Are US readers happy to read 'unconverted' stories by writers from other English speaking countries?

As far as I know, Lit's only requirement is consistency; A story that mixes English and American might get rejected for "bad spelling" but a story that is consistently one or the other -- or that obviously switches modes for a literary effect, like alternating POVs from an American and English characters, will pass muster with no problem.

 

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[CopyCarver]

Thanks, WeirdHarold. That is very reassuring regarding spelling differences.

And what about the vocabulary likes and dislikes of readers... as far as you know? I have read that many of them don't seem to like reading some of those UK terms, and that can mean, to use one example, that we're all forced to use the US term "ass" in our writing when there are other good words in use out there for the same piece of anatomy.

Harold is correct about the "laws of the land."

Personal likes and dislikes vary tremendously, obviously, and it would be utterly impossible to cater to them all--even if anyone were willing to try.
I wouldn't worry about it. I've edited several British, Canadian, and Australian writers; I just give them a heads up that a few linguistic chauvinists may scream, and then I accept the authors' decision whether or not they want to allow whiners to hijack their stories.

 

[Weird Harold]

And what about the vocabulary likes and dislikes of readers... as far as you know? I have read that many of them don't seem to like reading some of those UK terms, and that can mean, to use one example, that we're all forced to use the US term "ass" in our writing when there are other good words in use out there for the same piece of anatomy.

It isnt so much that people don't like to read them, it's that some English slang terms -- like "Fanny" -- have different meanings in American slang.

However, that is a problem with the readers, and NOT a problem with Literotica per se. A "very British" story will generate some negative feedbackfrom parochial language snobs, but it won't keep the story form being posted or appreciated by those of us who understand that English and American are two different languages.

I don't think very many people have a problem when a story that uses British spelling also uses British terms like "Arse" -- personally, I pretty much expect those "other good words" and English phrases where I have to stop and think a bit to translate.

I do think that some concession to the language barrier need to be made -- by both sides -- when posting in an international forum; extreme regional dialects and localized slang, like Ebonics or Cockney rhyming slang, are more likely to cause confusion than add "flavor."

The only real advice I can give is the old adage about "Write the way you speak" -- but don't get too carried away with it.

 

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[York]

Thanks, WeirdHarold. That is very reassuring regarding spelling differences.

And what about the vocabulary likes and dislikes of readers... as far as you know? I have read that many of them don't seem to like reading some of those UK terms, and that can mean, to use one example, that we're all forced to use the US term "ass" in our writing when there are other good words in use out there for the same piece of anatomy.

Interesting. I just started a thread on Author Hangout because I had an email feedback from someone calling me a dimwit for using the word arse, rather than ass.

It would never even occur to me use an American word. I am English and I am writing from an English perspective. Why use an American word in what is a totally English setting?

 

[Weird Harold]

Interesting. I just started a thread on Author Hangout because I had an email feedback from someone calling me a dimwit for using the word arse, rather than ass.

It would never even occur to me use an American word. I am English and I am writing from an English perspective. Why use an American word in what is a totally English setting?

Dimwit is a good description of someone who objects to English words in an English setting by an English author.

"Parochial Dimwit" is probably more accurate though.

 

[oggbashan]

I write British English but understand US English. I am aware that writing as I do might cause some confusion with US readers so I try to modify my language slightly.

I don't write Mid-Atlantic, but perhaps 50 miles off the UK coast...

Og

 

[York]

I write British English but understand US English. I am aware that writing as I do might cause some confusion with US readers so I try to modify my language slightly.

I don't write Mid-Atlantic, but perhaps 50 miles off the UK coast...

Og

Yes, I understand American English - I read a lot of American literature and enjoy it. Clearly, the bloke sending me understands that arse is a word for bottom - he just thinks I am stupid for using it in a story that will be read outside Britain.

 

[wehstar]

A question here about the Lit. policy on English spelling and vocabulary.

I edit stories from various parts of the world and the writers of these use their own spelling and vocabulary. I love the diversity and color that comes across in the language of these writers and I like to think other readers do too.

Does Lit. policy require 'foreign' writers to convert to US spellings and to alter their vocabulary to suit a US reading audience? Are US readers happy to read 'unconverted' stories by writers from other English speaking countries?

You spelt the word colour wrong. I think this is utterly unforgiveable.

Perhaps this thread will inspire me to write a tale about a man in a strip club, eating chips whilst watching the women wearing suspenders. Walking down the street the next day he nibbled on some crisps when he noticed a bum, and what a scrumptious one it was too. He dreamt of bending that arse over the bonnet of the nearest car before fingering her fanny. In a flash she was gone, and his thoughts went to the mobile ringing in his trouser pocket. His mate had called to talk about that fantastic goal from the football match yesterday.

Sorry. Couldn't resist trying to be clever. I will return from where I came from now.

 

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