Quote:
Originally Posted by ZodWallop
I don't mind fantasy series where they use more modern language (unless it is an alternate history or something). Even 'quixotic' would be okay for me in a fantasy novel. I mean, it is an imaginary world.
What does pull me out is the use of slang that will be dated in a couple of years.
|
Yes, after all we assume they aren't speaking English (or whatever) but the Author "translated" it.
Books obviously set as if written in the past, or historical dialogue needs to also avoid modern slang that can become quickly outdated and usually avoid modern usage and newer words. But only applies to settings from the 18th Century till today. Older settings need translation as much as SF & F books because Jacobean and especially Elizabethan English is tiring to read and hard for many, and 15th C is really hard. Note the current King James Bible isn't original, nor was the original actually in everyday English of the 17th Century.
Authors need to research technology and food for the period and location.
Also characters can have "modern attitudes" in ancient settings. It's just some were less common. There are plenty of current politicians and celebrities with nasty outlooks common 3000 years ago. Slavery still exists. Treating people of a different background or sex as less intelligent, capable or deserving of rights is still common.