Harry Potter question for my f-list...

[rurounihime]

Okay, question...

How many of you fic readers and writers prefer the phonetic-speak for Fleur and Viktor in canon?

Example: "Eet eez no use. I cannot dress in zeez robes." ... "Vat vould you ask of me, Herm-own-ninny?" Etc.

How many of you just wish they were shown speaking like all the other characters, leaving the accents up to the readers' imaginations?

*is really curious*

Comments

[raskanii.livejournal.com]

I agree with the others who said that accents are to be heard, not read. Subtle reminders are nice but, as always, exaggerations are annoying. If Krum talks with a 'thick accent' every sentence, I end up seeing him trying to talk through a mouthful of stew.

Also, don't take offense, but most of the time accents are way overdone. I'm French, yet when I speak English I don't mispronounce every second word.

[rurounihime.livejournal.com]

Thanks for giving me your opinion on the matter! I appreciate it.

[rurounihime.livejournal.com]

Also: Oh yes, part of the reason I ask the question is that I feel in many ways that the phonetic approach risks offending people who speak the language in question, or even those who don't, just on principle.