Lyrics in foreign language: italics of not?
Lyrics in foreign language: italics of not?
In a passage like this (poem is set and original in English), should words like "adieu" be put in Italics?
What is your opinion and experience?
Thank you
When I learned of the rule of putting foreign words in Italic it was 2008, and since then I've seen it both ways.
What is your opinion and experience?
Thank you
-
- Posts: 78
- Joined: 06 Jan 2018, 17:06
Re: Lyrics in foreign language: italics of not?
While it's generally proper in a text, in the music I think it would be distracting.
If you print out a copy of the text (like as a foreword) you can italicize the foreign words there.
If you print out a copy of the text (like as a foreword) you can italicize the foreign words there.
Composer and engraver
Re: Lyrics in foreign language: italics of not?
Thank you! I still need to check the original poem, but in the music, the source doesn't use Italics.
- John Ruggero
- Posts: 2474
- Joined: 05 Oct 2015, 14:25
- Location: Raleigh, NC USA
Re: Lyrics in foreign language: italics of not?
Foreign words that have become part of the English language are not italicized. "Adieu" would be one of those, as in, "I bid you a fond adieu".
M1 Mac mini (OS 12.4), Dorico, Finale 25.5, GPO 4, Affinity Publisher 2, SmartScore 64 Pro, JW Plug-ins, TG Tools, Keyboard maestro
http://www.cantilenapress.com
http://www.cantilenapress.com
Re: Lyrics in foreign language: italics of not?
How to know what foreign words have become part of the English language and what haven’t?
- John Ruggero
- Posts: 2474
- Joined: 05 Oct 2015, 14:25
- Location: Raleigh, NC USA
Re: Lyrics in foreign language: italics of not?
Look it up in a good English dictionary. If it is there, it is part of standard English. If not, check online. It may have entered the language recently. If not, italicize it the first time it occurs in text. As lyrics in a song, I wouldn't, but I am not sure what is considered correct.
M1 Mac mini (OS 12.4), Dorico, Finale 25.5, GPO 4, Affinity Publisher 2, SmartScore 64 Pro, JW Plug-ins, TG Tools, Keyboard maestro
http://www.cantilenapress.com
http://www.cantilenapress.com
-
- Posts: 65
- Joined: 10 Apr 2016, 08:19
Re: Lyrics in foreign language: italics of not?
I second John’s opinion: italics for words in languages other than the main language. “Adieu” has been incorporated in English, though (Marilyn Monroe sang “said adieu to love, don’t ever call again”), so no need for italics in this particular case.
However I’d italicize the word in the score under the notes as well, of course were appropriate. There can be cases when a word doesn’t seem extraneous to the main lamguage, and cam be helpful to the singer to know something is going on.
However I’d italicize the word in the score under the notes as well, of course were appropriate. There can be cases when a word doesn’t seem extraneous to the main lamguage, and cam be helpful to the singer to know something is going on.
Re: Lyrics in foreign language: italics of not?
Thanks all!
Re: Lyrics in foreign language: italics of not?
The OED lists 'adieu' as being in common usage these last 600 years, so I'd say it's just about bedded in by now.John Ruggero wrote: ↑16 Mar 2024, 13:08 Look it up in a good English dictionary. If it is there, it is part of standard English. If not, check online. It may have entered the language recently.
Even if italics were recommended, using a sans typeface in oblique style doesn't really confer the same contrast as Roman/Italics.
![Confused :???:](./images/smilies/icon_e_confused.gif)
I'd suggest a Grotesque in a Book Condensed face, if you must use sans....
![Neutral :-|](./images/smilies/icon_neutral.gif)
Last edited by benwiggy on 21 Mar 2024, 17:54, edited 1 time in total.
Re: Lyrics in foreign language: italics of not?
I will keep it in Regular, then.
Thank you for confirming.
Thank you for confirming.