Writing a character who doesn't speak English.

[Mattykins]

Alright, quick explanation. I am writing a short right now that involves another character entering the protagonists life who doesn't speak English. The entire screenplay is English aside from her.

I am thinking her dialog should be written in English - partially because I can't really do the translation myself - and so people understand it when reading it. How would I note that her dialog is in another language? And should be spoken as such?

Obviously, when the script is moved to production, the dialog needs to be translated. But what do I do for now? Should the language be a parenthetical?

-Matt

 

[Cryogenic Filmworks]

When I write for non-english, I use the other language for the dialogue. I have notes as to what the words are but in the script itself I use the language of that character. Granted I use dictionaries and online translation tools so it may not be perfect.

Just my 1/2 penny.

 

[Zak Forsman]

i've seen the following many times...

NAME
(in Spanish)
Your mother wears army boots.​

 

[Randall_Oelerich]

That is the way I was taught, makes sense. You have to make it clear so a reader can know what is being said, i.e. write it in English if the rest of the script is in English.

i've seen the following many times...

NAME
(in Spanish)
Your mother wears army boots.​

 

[brianluce]

i've seen the following many times...

NAME
(in Spanish)
Your mother wears army boots.​

That's how I've done, but I put the dialog in italics.

I've also done it in the native language but it worked because you could tell what the person meant because of the situation, stage directions, and replies from other characters.

 

[Mattykins]

Thanks guys,

The parenthetical was exactly what I was thinking. Thanks again.