Yaaaay! More questions from Gamer.... Anyway, so how do you guys write Pokémon speaking? I understand just using normal words in a PMD setting, but what about in an anime or game setting? The method I've used it this: "Fraaa! (I'm hungry!)" Fraxure growled to his companions. But, the problem comes when I write larger, less human Pokémon, such as Charizard. I also really dislike writing Garchomp saying Garchomp, when I've shown that she lets out guttural growls and roars. So, what do you think? Should I just write normally when it's just the Pokémon, and no humans?
I think your method works fine, especially if there aren't any humans, it's what I've seen others do, Like just write their text inside parentheses and call it good. Example: "(Let me show you how it's done)" Charizard growled. or something like that. I'm personally against the anime style of name saying. I think it feels weak in written format where you lose the tone and vibrancy of voice, though it can be done well I suppose.In the end it's always up too you but that's my two cents.
I used to do it somewhat like this: "Axew ax axew ax!" Axew panics, waking up its/his human companions. Wake up, there's something not right! With some, I'll just mention the sounds...or simply do "Axew ew" or "Pikachu, pikapi?" without translations. If there's a Pokémon that can use Telepathy (like Gardevoir), I'd write their speech like this: 'I am Gardevoir...Guardian of all Trainers...' Not sure on what other possible ideas, though...
I express it through actions rather then text EX: "Sylv, Sylveon!" Sylveon cried rushing to his trainer shaking, a look of fear on his face. I don't translate but let emotions show what I mean and use actions to give context to the cries.
I may have worded my example weirdly. This is what I do mostly, it's just that at certain points the Pokémon are speaking to each other, rather than their trainer.
Even then I use actions or expressions to show how they are feeling. Only time Pokémon speak is in PMD so I play it like that
I'll be honest, I can't stand it when someone uses '*insert words here*' for Pokémon speak or telepathy. No offence to anyone, it's just a personal opinion. That's not what they're supposed to be used for. When writing telepathy, I usually write like "Hello, Protagonist," or in bold. You could use the same for Pokémon, but as someone who rarely writes humans into Pokémon stories, I'm probably not the best for advice in this case.
I'm probably the odd one out here, but I don't even write Pokémon speaking/making noises at all. I write something like "Litten meowed" and then humans have to pick up on cues (like tone and actions done while meowing) or very experienced Trainers translate. When dealing with telepathy, I agree with Nova's writing style of "italicized quotes." Writing the Pokémon saying its name really breaks story immersion to me, but that's just my personal opinion. For PMD, I think that's the only time it's acceptable to make Pokémon flat-out speak. Pokémon to Pokémon speak should be written out in some form if there are no humans around to translate. You just can't follow a conversation with body movements and facial cues.
