You don't need honorifics to convey rudeness and most non-Japanese people are highly unlikely to get the signficance of no honorifics unless you point out in the text that's the case. However, it could still work as a sort of Genius Bonus for readers who do understand the signficance. I don't really know enough to give you an exact yes or no answer, but here's hoping this still helps you a little.
Exitus Acta Probat
I'd lean towards using them since a lot of them doen't really have direct english equivalent. One thing is that in Japanese language you will use honorifics when adressing a person. The only time you don't is if you're very close to the person (very good friends or a husband and wife migth refer to eachother without them). Othervise not using honorifics is extremely rude. You probably shouldn't go overboard and use all sorts of obscure honorifics, tho.
Banned
I actively avoid honorfic and most of my character's are Japanese and living in Japan. The only terms in Japanese I've actually used are Sensei and only because it's commonly heard in English. I used Ikadakmasu once but only because there really isn't a good English version outside of saying grace and none of my character's are Christians.
Plus it can be really bad if you assume Viewers Are Geniuses.
edited 5th Jan '11 4:58:39 PM by americanbadass
[[User Banned]]_ My Pm box ix still open though, I think?
o hai
The only terms in Japanese I've actually used are Sensei and only because it's commonly heard in English.???
If people learned from their mistakes, there wouldn't be this thing called bad habits.
Ahr river
Japanese karate schools use it, and japanese classes do, I presume. Also, karate movies.
Read my stories!
o hai
I wouldn't really say that's "common"...
If people learned from their mistakes, there wouldn't be this thing called bad habits.
I say use them. Even the readers who don't know what they mean will get it after the first couple of pages.
Banned
Karate movies, Martial arts films, Parodies of the first two, animes, and Tv show where some practices Karate for the most part. Unless they use Sei fu.
[[User Banned]]_ My Pm box ix still open though, I think?
More like giant cherries
I've heard sensei before, and I am not involved with karate or anything. It's used in the Artemis Fowl series among other places.
edited 6th Jan '11 9:15:07 PM by storyyeller
Blind Final Fantasy 6 Let's Play
...in English, of course, but I'm wondering if I should use Honorifics. Besides the fact that the quirks of various languages are enourmous Author Appeal for me, it's somewhat signifigant to the plot that the main characters are kind of rude, so it might be helpful to show that while everyone around them uses honorifics they don't.
On the other hand, it just might sound awkward and Wapanese. And That's Terrible.
So, what do y'all think? Honorifics or not?