So, this semester I'm taking a course on literature for adolescents. This means I get to read pretty cool books of a variety that I never really got into, back when I was age-appropriate. (Now, I just use the squeeing of Fandom Wank as a very reliable guide.) I've had a few issues, based on how I identified with some of the characters that were most alike--situationally, gender-wise, and ethnicity-wise--to me versus the rest of the class.

What this post is about, however, is the use of other languages in works of published fiction. You know, when the author feels the need to sazonar la historia--pepper the story--with random phrases in other languages and their translations to give the book a feel of authenticity.

Why is this off limits in fanfic, but published authors can do it/are rewarded for it? Amounts of research? The fact that the pro's getting paid?

Another question: if they're going to do dual/multiple language, why not just go whole-hog and write all exchanges in one language in that language? (I mean, besides alienating the readers that I'd like to reach, but wouldn't bother if I pulled something like that.)

Yes, I'm considering writing one of those culturally diverse, semi-autobiographical things that tells my story. The Brief Wonderous Life of Oscar Wao is close, but no cigar.

I use Spanish and Japanese in conversation, mainly for things that don't translate very well into English (Spanish) or random crap that's become an inside joke/from a meme (Japanese). I'm guessing that the former is more "allowable" then the latter.