Mkay...I do definitely see the lack of teaching foreign languages properly as a flaw in the American (as I don't know if or how it's done in England or Canada or Australia) edu-ma-cation system, which means that ppl like me are at a disadvantage. I applaud those who have learned a foreign language fluently, especially considering that they probably would have had to pursue it on their own at some point. BUT I have a few immediate issues:
1) If a Bâton isn't a baton, what is it? If a Denier isn't money in some form, what is it? Is a Epee a sword and a Coupe a cup?
2)If we all agree to type the French, this is fine to an extent, but if I ever meet any of you in person, I don't want to be laughed at for butchering the pronunciations! (I try and have a rough idea but I'm sure it's not perfect!)
3) We have a lot of ppl here who have chosen to stick with English language decks, and maybe part of the reason is the language, so when we're participating in the Reading Exchange, and somebody doesn't know what the flamin' hootie hoo a D'Espees or a Deniers is, shouldn't we translate? So, if what has been transmogrified to English isn't correct, should we figure out what it is? I mean, I think we risk making the Marseille ppl a little bit cliquey, at the very least keep the decks seeming intimidating. Not only the reading exchange board, where ppl are always free to ask or hang out in Marseille and learn, but in my case the idea of going pro seems closer all the time, being in America I would probably have to translate for clients.
Basically, for Americans at least, there will always be instances where some translation will be needed. (Until the education system gets restructured.) Personally, I'd rather get to the bottom of what indeed is the best possible translation.