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Accents and Languages - Unoffical Poll
🕑 Added 2024-03-15 14:30:39 +0000 UTC
So when we introduced that english is a second language for Stephanie, I decided it would be best to represent her vocal change with a color and a different font to show that she sounds different than other people. I do mess with her word choice. I remove a bunch of words that I don't think she would know, or at least they would not be quick for her to access.
But as a main character, I felt that I couldn't completely limit her language, as she has a plot to carry, and if I started swapping l's and r's and making her with the english skills of a child, that reading the story would have been very frustrating.
With Lexi gaining the Scottish accent, a similar issue came up. And I split the balance a bit more than with Stephanie.
Stephanie still speaks in Korean and drops some Korean words, and most of the time we can see what she is saying clearly. And I'm going to avoid "writing" her accent as there is no good way of doing that that doesn't come off as racist. But there are words that come up that still show that English is not her primary langiage.
The Scottish accent flirts with the same pitfalls, but since more of us may feel we are more familar with what a scottish accent sounds, it doesn't feel like we are as sensitive about it. But I still worry about getting it wrong, and I know some people have mentioned that it comes off as a bad accent, more asking to go further.
A more authentic accent is above in the artwork. I don't think I can actually let Lexi talk like that in the comic. It is impossible to read. Feels worse than reading Gambit in the 90's Xmen books.
So, I've been going for a middle road. Letting some accented words slip in to showcase the change, but not going full. Similar to Steph's limitation being watered down so she is understandable to you. The blue probaly giving us room for more of a Scrooge McDuck, David Tennant, Karen Gillan, etc.
Anyways, after all that rambling, I have a poll below for your feed back.
This isn't a poll that has a winner. Just will read feedback and take it in going forward.
Comments
Roseleaf
There isn't a "winning" in this poll. Getting a vibe and adjusting. The wanting 'easier to read' votes are weighted heavier than others.
Mr. Domino
I know that 'its fine like it is' is winning, but please seriously consider just doing the color text. At least for Lexi, it's such a pain in the ass to try reading her dialogue now.
Roseleaf
Actually, this is my response to that. We had some people who were Scottish who felt the accent wasn't accurate. Which really is more of a result of straddling the line more, and not going one way or the other. I did initially ask them for assistance, but never heard back. Like with anything outside my immediate perview, I go out and seek people in that space who are vocal about representation and culture. And know to a degree, much is going to be specifically different due to the situation of the story. Where the characters don't have the culture. But have aspects if it. Some very American identies there. That's where the poll is more unofficial. Those asking for things to be easier or asking for specific rep are going to be weighted more than some other answers. Ultimately the story is for fun, and that means accessiblity and comfort are going to shine over other aspects. And accents are weird and specific. I know Irish folk who have very nutral accents and some that sound like cartoon leprechauns. I like to think we have been clear that these are traits of specific people and not what all of a group is. And hoping it helps that we have seen multiple Korean people which a range of accent and language skills. (I assume Nick knows no Korean language) But for someone coming into the middle, it's always a risk. Anyone can get mad at something out of context.
Rockhopper
Let me answer your question with a question. What will your response be when someone contacts you and says “As a person of this ethnicity, I find your portrayal to be culturally tone deaf, borderline insulting and personally offensive.”? The respect blade cuts all ways. Think of a situation where someone may have made a sweeping generalization about something near and dear to you and how it made you feel. They may not have had a bad intention, but it affected you. Yes, as a creator, you have the right to produce whatever you want. But do you want people questioning your motives and ethics with something that comes close to a line you shouldn’t cross?
