Well ... I may use a complete phrase or two myself, if the plot occasion warrants it. :) But I usually try to give a translation, however loosely, within the narrative:
- "Boris just told you to perform culturally unacceptable acts of a sexual nature to your closest female relative," Jack translated wryly to Bob.
- "Bob didn't understand exactly what Boris was muttering angrily under his breath, but as an educated guess, it wasn't very complimentary to their host."
- "Bob only knew a few words of (native language), but he certainly had heard that phrase often enough. It meant ...."
That type of thing usually works just as well if a simple "s/he said/cursed/negotiated in (native language)" isn't colorful enough and permits an (IMO) better reading flow than footnotes, end-of-chapter glossary or the hover method. :) But it's always, ALWAYS the character, plot or both which decides what I'll use ...
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Date: 2012-01-03 08:33 pm (UTC)plotoccasion warrants it. :) But I usually try to give a translation, however loosely, within the narrative:- "Boris just told you to perform culturally unacceptable acts of a sexual nature to your closest female relative," Jack translated wryly to Bob.
- "Bob didn't understand exactly what Boris was muttering angrily under his breath, but as an educated guess, it wasn't very complimentary to their host."
- "Bob only knew a few words of (native language), but he certainly had heard that phrase often enough. It meant ...."
That type of thing usually works just as well if a simple "s/he said/cursed/negotiated in (native language)" isn't colorful enough and permits an (IMO) better reading flow than footnotes, end-of-chapter glossary or the hover method. :) But it's always, ALWAYS the character, plot or both which decides what I'll use ...