I have always enjoyed reading and recently started buying and reading books again after a break. I purchased books in both English and my native language (translated versions), but I am feeling somewhat conflicted about it. On one hand, I want my library to be consistent, and I think buying and reading books only in their original language would achieve that. On the other hand, I sometimes think, “Who cares? It doesn’t matter in what language I read books, as long as they are true to the original, and I enjoy the process.” Nevertheless, I need some opinions. What languages do you prefer? The original or the translated versions? Do you have books in multiple languages? Does the language in which you read a book make a difference?
Objectively if you can read a book in its original language, it is better to do so.
First, because no translation can reproduce all the meanings and nuances of the original. And second because of the sounds themselves of a language. It is especially obvious with poetry but prose too has rhythms and cadences that are near impossible to translate.
Then there are translations that are literary works on their own, and are well worth reading. Many others may not reach the same level but they do a very good job.
Ofc your level of proficiency in the language plays a role. If going through a page is a struggle, probably the translation is the better choice. But if you are already a pretty advanced user of the language, reading a lot in that language is one of the best ways to push yourself, broadening your vocabulary and your feeling for the language.