Where can I find translation of US custom pronouns to other languages? Thanks

  • Erika2rsis
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    1 year ago

    There’s no real consensus on translating neopronouns, so different translation approaches are used depending on the needs of the translation and its target language. It’s a good idea in any case to provide translation notes or glosses for anything that might get lost in translation.

    What I’d personally recommend is this:

    When writing about a real person, ask yourself:

    • Can I ask this person for translation recommendations?
    • If yes, translate according to the recommendations.
    • If no, does this person also go by pronouns which are easier to translate?
    • If yes, use those pronouns instead of the neopronouns.
    • If no, use the “default” gender-neutral terms of the target language.

    When writing about a fictional character, ask yourself:

    • Can I ask the original author for translation recommendations?
    • If yes, translate according to the recommendations.
    • If no, use whatever feels right.

    Avoiding pronouns entirely, leaving the neopronoun untranslated, or matching the neopronoun with one from the target language, are all translation approaches that may be more appropriate in some situations, but which also present unique challenges for the translator.