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?
It’s nice to read in the original language, but I think it’s more important to enjoy the read than anything else. (Assuming you’re reading for fun, not as a part of studying, of course.) I tend to buy most books translated, because that’s usually what I come across in thrift stores and bookstores. When I can choose it depends. I’ve read a lot of textbooks in English, because that the only language they were available in.
I’ve also noticed when reading popular science (translated English to Swedish) that translators sometimes add useful information relevant to Swedish readers. I’m about to read a book about reading and learning children to read, and I choose the Swedish translation mostly in case there might be references to children’s books, useful resources, or information about learning to read English that don’t apply when learning to read Swedish. I hope the translator changed and/or explained such differences in the Swedish version.