Cultural References
A little while back, the post about colloquialisms discussed the possibilities and pitfalls of including local slang words in writing. Today’s post looks a little closer at the question of cultural references.
When writing stories set in familiar countries in modern times or in the real past, as opposed to futuristic, fantasy or off-world settings, there is a real need to be accurate about customs and habits. In some cases, the pressure is alleviated by an image of the place or time being commonly accepted, much like in films: a story set in 1920s America, for example, can certainly profit from being historically accurate, but many readers already have a vague idea of how things were at that time. True, that image may be terribly distorted by too many badly-researched films and TV series, but at least the basics are there.
However, some mistakes need to be avoided. Modern Japanese characters always bowing when meeting Westerners, French people always cheek-kissing regardless of how well they know each other, Iranians referred to as Arabs instead of Persians, Australians all living in self-built houses in the Bush and Muslims getting drunk are all examples that would cause readers to shake their heads in embarrassment at the author’s error. As one can imagine, the list of possible faux-pas is enormous.
The easiest solution to the question of cultural references is, of course, to avoid it entirely. If you haven’t lived somewhere, don’t write about it. If there is no absolute need to set a part of the story in a location with which you’re not personally familiar, have the action take place elsewhere. Simple, but a bit of a cop-out if the setting or the nationality of a particular character really adds to the plot!
Assuming there’s a reason for the reference, it is important to research before writing. The Internet is a wonderful tool for such information and, at the same time, for broadening our horizons as individuals by learning a little about other places and people. Equally, something as simple as having a Frenchman say “Salut” instead of “Bonjour” to a friend, Japanese and Chinese characters bow appropriately or correctly using “Salaam alaykum” (and the response) or “Namasté” can add a lot to the atmosphere of a well-written tale and doesn’t take much time to find out.
If you really need a lot of detail, particularly regarding jobs and activities, finding a forum and asking questions is an excellent solution. It’s astounding how many experts are out there and not only willing but happy to share their knowledge of how things really are. Don’t forget to credit them before you rocket to the top of the best-seller list.
Above all, the thing to remember is authenticity. At its lowest degree, a little research is enough. Moving up a level, more complete research can leave a reader unsure as to whether the author has actually been somewhere or done something – at least unsure enough that they accept what is written as accurate. Finally, having personal experience of a place or culture can really make the story immersive and your writing shine.
[Originally published on www.wordophilia.com]
