The Use of Foreign Phrases in Creative Writing
Get an Editor’s Attention by Using Foreign Words and Phrases
Jul 30, 2009
In the fiercely competitive world of publishing, and especially for the new beginner, getting published is increasingly difficult. Catching that editor’s eye, with some new impressive piece of prose is more difficult now than ever before.
Everybody is convinced he or she can be the next publishing phenomenon and their manuscript is the next bestseller and so with an increasing number of people attempting this task the chance of success is all the more unlikely. Unless the new beginner can produce a piece of prose with zest, color and vivacity it may not get noticed at all. However there is a way to add these elements to a sketch, be it fact, fiction, poetry or prose and that is done by including some foreign words or phrases.
Adding Vivacity to Creative Writing
The most important point to note when using a foreign word or phrase is to make certain that the reader, who may very well be reading these strange new words for the first time, understands them. There is absolutely no point in adding fancy words just to confuse the reader or to slow down the reading and enjoyment of a certain passage.
Making words and their meaning clear to the reader is most effectively done by dialogue. When one character uses an unknown phrase or word, these words can be explained in their more familiar language by the next character repeating them. One character in a sketch can say, "Carpe diem, my friend" and this can easily be explained by the friend replying, "Ah yes, seize the day indeed"
Correct Use of Foreign Phrases
Clarity is vitally important or the editor may lose interest and abandon the manuscript altogether. Presenting clear, unambiguous prose, especially to a new editor is done by constant unwavering attention to detail and this is all the more important when using out of the ordinary words and phrases.
- Always make certain that the words are spelled correctly paying particular attention to any diacritic marks, such as accent marks, dots, curves and curls, both above and below. Without these marks the words will have no meaning and with modern word-processing programs there is no excuse for omitting these symbols.
- Limit the use of foreign words or phrases. There is no point having full sentences in a foreign language just to impress if the end result only confuses the reader.
- Foreign phrases and words should only be used to give emphasis to a certain point, especially an emotional or witty point.
- Before submitting a piece of writing for consideration, ascertain if the words should be in plain script or italicized. Always try to impress the editor with attention to detail.
- Al fresco (It.) – in the open air, usually referring to dining outdoors.
- Compos mentis (L.) – of sound mind.
- Billet-doux (Fr.) – a love letter.
- Che sarà, sarà (It.) – what will be, will be.
- Savoir-faire (Fr.) – knowing the right thing to do.
- Quid pro quo (L.) – something for something.
- De profundis (L.) – out of the depths of sorrow.
- In vino veritas (L.) – in wine truth comes.
Using foreign words and phrases in a clever and meaningful manner may or may not speed up the chances of success but with proper use they can add oomph to a piece of writing and perhaps lead the author to exclaim – mon Dieu, eureka, my God, I have found it – when the way to success has been gleaned. And once that first success has been savored perhaps the author may become more recherché or sought after.
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