Handling Foreign and Made Up Words

There are times in your novel when you may wish to insert foreign or made up words or phrases. When a reader does not recognize a word or name, they skip over it. Too many speed bumps and they may stop reading. When in doubt, opt for clarity.  You can keep their attention in a number of ways. 

1. If your POV character understands the language, he can translate through internal narration.

My Russian was a bit rusty, but it was clear Vlad wanted Nikolai to stand down.

2. He can translate for another character:

Dick whispered to Jane, "Vlad is telling them to stand down."

3. You can show context through action tags.

Vlad grabbed Nikolai's gun and shouted, "Prekrashcheniye!" His men stood down.

4. If the POV character does not comprehend the language, use narration to say so.

The men waved their guns around and shouted in a guttural foreign language. They didn't look happy to see each other.

5. Context is critical.  If you sprinkle in foreign or made up words, give them context within the sentence. If it is a noun, describe it. 

Ang held the makami carelessly, but I had no doubt the curved blade could cleave a man in two with one stroke.

Persephone plucked calendula, stuffing the bright yellow petals in her pocket. They could be used later to treat wounds.

6. If you use foreign or invented expletives or exclamations, use body language and action to convey the emotion.

"Mein Liebchen." Gunther hugged Nadia. She struggled out of his embrace and moved behind her desk. "I'm not your love. Why are you here?"

"By Camulos, what have you done?" Darien covered his face with his hands. "Do you realize the depth of the hole you've put us in?"

Constable Lyrik yanked on the chains holding the prisoner. "Get up. You're headed for the dungeon you nasty, fae-loving cerpet."

Especially in epic Fantasy, it may be useful to have a list of name pronunciations in the back matter. You may even provide a glossary. However, the goal is to keep the reader immersed in your story. You don't want to lose them to searches.

If you have tips for how you handled this situation, leave a comment.