What is the best way to show a character is speaking a different language in a story? (eg, the majority of the story and dialogue is in English and at various points a character/multiple characters start speaking French for multiple lines of dialogue)
I’m using the phrase “How are you today, sweetheart?” as the example (I used google translate, so sorry if the translation’s wrong)
What is the best way to show a character is speaking a different language during long dialogue scenes ?
“How are you today, sweetheart?” Steve says in French.
“Comment vas-tu aujourd'hui, ma chérie ?” Steve says. (Translation in notes)
“Comment vas-tu aujourd'hui, ma chérie ?” How are you today, sweetheart?
First line(s) in French, continue in English
First line(s) in French, continue in English (but in italics)
Mix and match English and French throughout scene
If the English-speaking characters aren’t meant to understand then all French
Different punctuation (*hi* / ‘hi’ / “[hi]” etc)
Another option/I’m just nosy (Answer below!!)
( Pretty much all of these are examples of how I’ve seen it done in fanfic )
Thanks for your help!
