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?
The original. You will still miss much of what the author meant; but in translation, you won’t even be ABLE to catch those hints and nuances that mean so much to original speakers of the language. Those hints and nuances will leave without a trace.
If you don’t have a good grasp on original language you should read in translation.