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Names with apostrophes
https://archive.holyworlds.org/viewtopic.php?f=24&t=1908		 Page 1 of 1
Author:  Constable Jaynin Mimetes [ January 19th, 2011, 4:37 pm ]
Post subject:  Names with apostrophes
Is it truly awkward and a thing to be avoided? Or is it just a matter of personal preference?

Three out of four people pick out my apostrophied names as awkward. They're actually simpler to read than a lot of typical fantasy name, (IMO,) but everyone complains about apostrophes. I have been told, however, not to let that influence my own creativity. But if that many people have that much of a problem, is it something to seriously reconsider?

So I'm asking you. How do you feel about apostrophes?

(The names in my book are Ko'ar, Ia'tahz, El'kathu, and Tez'kai.)
Author:  Lady Elanor [ January 19th, 2011, 4:45 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Names with apostrophes
I personally really like them. :) They don't bother me at all! I don't think it looks awkward.
Author:  Lady Eruwaedhiel [ January 19th, 2011, 6:04 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Names with apostrophes
All of my Treacherous (fallen angels) have names with apostrophes. Cae'ach, Ah'ris, etc. All my Guardians have names with dashes. Eron-dan, Kel-arad, and so on. I personally don't have a problem with them, as long as they aren't too complex. Apostrophe and dash names should be simple so they don't confuse people with the extra elements.

Can I move this into Naming?
Author:  Constable Jaynin Mimetes [ January 19th, 2011, 6:21 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Names with apostrophes
You may move it wheresoever you see fit. I bow to all moderators in regards to moving threads. (My nickname should be "The-one-who-never-knows-where-to-post". :roll: )

It's a cultural thing with my names too. All the overworlder's have names with apostrophes, but the underground dwellers do not. It's significant.
Author:  Lady Eruwaedhiel [ January 19th, 2011, 6:31 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Names with apostrophes
's alright. :) *pats you on the back*
Author:  Aragorn [ January 19th, 2011, 7:04 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Names with apostrophes
I generally dislike it when books have bunches of names with apostrophes. However, if it is a cultural thing, it doesn't bother me much, since it is limited to the one culture. Instead of being random and annoying, it makes sense.
Author:  Rachel Newhouse [ January 19th, 2011, 7:26 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Names with apostrophes
I generally like them. They add an exotic and unique flavor when used appropriately. I don't find them any more difficult than the average fantasy name. :roll: I think if you make it cultural, tying into your world, that makes it all the more solid.
Author:  Andrew Amnon Mimetes [ January 27th, 2011, 6:49 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Names with apostrophes
As long as each name only has one apostrophe. It's names like fl'kd'jrk'kgrd that turn me off...how in the world are you supposed to say that? :rofl: Personally, when there's one apostrophe, I just sort of pause there.

But if they have a purpose, I'd say it's fine for them to stay in.

eruheran
Author:  Kiev Shawn [ January 27th, 2011, 7:15 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Names with apostrophes
Ditto to eruheran. :)
Author:  Elly [ January 27th, 2011, 4:43 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Names with apostrophes
Right, eruheran.

I have a G'abba and a T'Vaschky. (I like the second name.)
Author:  Evening L. Aspen [ February 19th, 2011, 3:13 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Names with apostrophes
My only character with an apostrophized name is Na'nari, and I put the apostrophe to avoid incorrect pronunciation of her name. There are also a lot of names with apostrophes in the Myst books and games: J'nanin, Ti'ana, D'ni, A'Gaeris, the list goes on and on. None of those are difficult to pronounce. In general, I don't mind names with apostrophes so long as they actually need the apostrophes and aren't made more complicated by their presence. Why put an apostrophe in Al'aishia when it works fine as Alaishia?

I think yours look fine; the apostrophes actually make them easier to pronounce.
Author:  Constable Jaynin Mimetes [ March 13th, 2011, 3:10 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Names with apostrophes
I think that's where I got it from, Evening. :roll:

(Pick any work of mine and you can finally find connections to Myst and/or the Riddlemaster trilogy)

Ti'ana, for example, works fine as Tiana, except that people would be more likely to prounounce it Tianna. The reason for the apostrophe, I believe, is because it is two words melded together into one. (isn't it?) J'nanin, the apostrophe makes it pronouncable. Jnanin anyone? The j would end up silent and we'd all say it nanin. (which, for some reason, makes me think of bananas.) Ko'ar without an apostrophe would be Koar, rhymes with oar. The apostrophe seperates the syllables. So I guess, in some places, there are actual practical reasons.

Ko'ala, I believe, is properly spelled with an apostrophe, isn't it? (Okay, maybe now my fantasy brain is making thinks up.) Koala would tend to be said Ko-la. or Koa-la.
Author:  Rachel Newhouse [ March 18th, 2011, 10:23 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Names with apostrophes
I agree, if the apostrophe serves to make the name more pronounceable, or to ensure correct pronunciation, leave it. If it's unnecessary, consider if it's making your narrative more complicated than it should be.
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