Using foreign words in fiction

How to use foreign words in English? Should we italicize them? Do we need to give meaning of foreign words beside them or in the footnote?

Such question often comes in the mind of authors whose fiction is set in a location where English is not the main language or some characters cannot speak English.

The rules for legal or other formal non-fiction writings are clear: such words are explained either at the place where the word first appears or in the footnote or at the end of the article/ book.

In the case of fiction, there is no clear-cut rule, because writers, readers and style experts differ widely about what they think as the best way out.

For my next novel, Revenge, which is set in Hindi hinterland of India, I did some research. I checked many style-sheets and then tried to pick up the most logical and practical ideas. I am sharing these with authors who need to use foreign expressions in their novels or stories.

Some find that italicizing, except a very rare word, leads to alienation, a 'Me vs Other' feeling or a sense of linguistic superiority. It is also said that italicization leads to irritation because the eye is forced to pause during reading. I agree that too much italicization breaks the flow of reading, but I do not see much alienation in the use of italics unless the reader is too finicky about the way English should be written. Of course, too much italicization must be avoided.

On the other hand, some find italicization of foreign words as logical. When the word is not likely to be understood by people who know only English, a foreign word might make unintended images of the foreign word. Therefore, the author should make the meaning of important foreign words.

I would be using the following style in Revenge. Hope, this helps fellow authors who are undecided on how to treat foreign words in English fiction writing:

• Let us not use italics for foreign words too much. If some words are repeated many times throughout the book and have become 'naturalized', let us use italics just the first time. Maybe, one or two times more where necessary.
• There is no bar on using foreign words in English writing. In fact, they add authenticity to the narration or dialogue that is set in a setting where such words are a must. Foreign expressions cannot, and should not, be avoided in foreign locations. Some expressions lose their local flavor when translated.
  
• However, generally speaking, if something can be said without use of a foreign word, let us say that in English.
• Sometimes, you can suggest use of the foreign language without using that language. [For example: 1. He abused him in chaste Bangla. 2. He stammered. But then he switched over to French.]
  
• If the colloquial word adds to drama (e.g. it is for threat), italics would look fine.
  
• If a foreign word is used as an exclamation or where it gives flavor to the reader without her even knowing its meaning [e.g. chhorey! for calling a boy in Punjabi], there is no need to give meaning of the word.
• If giving the meaning of a foreign word looks necessary, use the context in a way that the word's meaning comes out so that you do not need to give the exact meaning. If not, explain the word then and there. One can use em dash or comma after the foreign word and then give its English translation.[For example, 1. He used 'saab' after his name to give him extra honor. 2. He sang bhajans, religious songs.]
  
• Avoid complete sentences or verses in a foreign language unless they serve a great purpose. You can take this liberty if you are an established author, not otherwise.
• If the foreign word is a proper noun, don't italicize it. Do not italicize interjections unless they are very off the mark. They may be used differently in different locations but generally that does not matter much. [For example, oye!, aha!, woo!]
  
• There is no need to give special treatment to common foreign words or variations found in different types of English. If you are writing for American audience and your mother tongue is Australian English, change all spellings and misunderstanding-prone words to American English.  That is true for hundreds of French and Spanish words and many that have been assimilated by English from earlier British colonies such as India. 
• This one can be useful if you write in American English: look for the foreign word in the Merriam-Webster dictionary. If the word is there in the dictionary, you can consider that it has been adopted in American English. Similarly, the Oxford dictionary keeps including foreign words, and once they are in this dictionary, they are taken as part of British English.