Why do some writers add foreign phrases to novels, without giving translation?

Because to them, it looks normal. It adds a flare to their writing that they enjoy.

For an example of this, see Vladmir Nabokov's "Lolita." Ignore the subject matter; concentrate on the fact that he uses tons of French all over the place, and the only parts I understood were the important ones (how old are you? dix-huit).

Well, you clearly ARE missing the boat!

Probably because the foreign phrases that they use need no translation, even for most low-brow types, and also, because they figure that it makes them look high-brow.

However, your sample of what I assume is supposed to be French indicates that you aren't even getting that much.

I only find it annoying when they get the grammar or words wrong.

I'd hazard a guess that the phrases in question are so common that they don't generally need translation. If you do need it, however, there's a whole internet out there, complete with translator programs, that should give you the general gist of what's being said. Instead of whining, try doing a little research; you might actually LEARN something.

certainly, made up languages are not my renowned because of the fact they're hardly carried out properly and no longer often upload something extraordinarily substantial to the tale. you have justified your use of a made up language properly adequate and that i'm keen to have faith you already know what you're doing, so because it extremely is stable. in basic terms shop it to a minimum and use it in basic terms the place you think of you could. i individually do unlike examining extensive translations or talk that each and all and sundry ought to be translated by potential of yet another character line by potential of line. what's worse is whilst it truly is sumarized for the MC later. As a reader, it makes me sense a splash cheated. Tolkien is an incredible occasion of employing made up languages that labored particularly properly.

so that you don't know what it means!! It adds mystery to the book. It should tell you eventually what the phrase means, and if not, it's so you can have a more "enriching experience" and find a translation. I agree that it's annoying though.

to culturize you