Poll: Regarding Aoibheann's Dialogue
Added 2022-03-11 05:41:04 +0000 UTC
So I got an interesting bit of feedback on the feedback form, and I want to explore this. The feedback goes:
"Please STOP trying to write an Irish accent. It is not even CLOSE to actual Irish speakers. It reads like an awful racist stereotype that mixes up multiple Irish and Scottish dialects.
Either get actual Irish people to review and revise her dialogue, or scrap the "hoho top of the morning oi'm a leprechaun"-type nonsense entirely. Just write her dialogue like a normal person speaking standard English. If you just say she's Irish, people will know. They can read her lines in their head as such.
It is the one glaring criticism I have of this game's writing, because otherwise the charactisation and dialogue is pretty solid. But my god every time I try to read Aoibheann's dialogue it makes me want to force-quit the application."
My writing of Aoibheann, as true as I TRIED to make it to Irish vernacular, seemed to still fall short and offend someone who was actually Irish. I had a decision to make when I wrote her, and one option was what this person was suggesting, just telling the reader in narration that she has a thick Irish accent and let the reader just imagine her speaking in such a fashion. My question to you all is, is Aoibheann's dialogue over the top? Would you also like to see the vernacular toned down a bit and leave more to the imagination?
Comments
As someone who works with accents somewhat as a tip o' the hat to me granma, I can see how those who do speak with a proper Irish brogue (proper term for an Irish accent) would feel put out by the treatment, especially if ye are combinin' Irish and Scottish Laddie! Mayhaps findin' someone who IS proper Irish to help contribute to her dialogue, or at least to make it less cringe for those with an ear, or eye, for it would be beneficial, regardless of those who might think differently. Don't ask me though, I tend to pick up and flow with what I hear, and can run wild when speakin' with them that has, but outside of tha', I'd do ye no good! Just being honest.
Scott Wulf
2022-03-11 15:13:41 +0000 UTC
