I have read that using slang or dialects will irritate the reader.
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I recently wrote a short story where the vicar had a lisp, that was fun to write turning s's into th's
It meant as soon as he spoke you knew immediately which character was speaking. I believe how you write dialogue can define your character, if they speak abruptly with one word answers, or waffle nervously. Accents also define where a character lives or where he originates from, I find people watching very helpful when you are out and about, standing in queues for example. You can pick up a lot on how people talk.
I don't agree! (Even though I rarely use slang myself)
Two reasons for this -
One, I love the way Toni Morrison brings in dialects and an aural, speakerly tone is absolutely wonderful.
Secondly, I come from a multilingual background. As a result, many of us, however well we speak English, do often use words from other languages to create effects. Bringing that into writing without sounding contrived is an art I admire.
Yeah, I think too much slang can put up a wall between character and reader (and risk getting dated). You can have traits, though, or verbal tics - everyone has them anyway; certain words you overuse, phrases you like, ways of expressing things that are unique. Giving characters words that no one else in the story would use helps build them up, I think
I recently wrote a short story where the vicar had a lisp, that was fun to write turning s's into th's
It meant as soon as he spoke you knew immediately which character was speaking. I believe how you write dialogue can define your character, if they speak abruptly with one word answers, or waffle nervously. Accents also define where a character lives or where he originates from, I find people watching very helpful when you are out and about, standing in queues for example. You can pick up a lot on how people talk.
Hope this helps.
I don't agree! (Even though I rarely use slang myself)
Two reasons for this -
One, I love the way Toni Morrison brings in dialects and an aural, speakerly tone is absolutely wonderful.
Secondly, I come from a multilingual background. As a result, many of us, however well we speak English, do often use words from other languages to create effects. Bringing that into writing without sounding contrived is an art I admire.
Yeah, I think too much slang can put up a wall between character and reader (and risk getting dated). You can have traits, though, or verbal tics - everyone has them anyway; certain words you overuse, phrases you like, ways of expressing things that are unique. Giving characters words that no one else in the story would use helps build them up, I think