Board Game Arena

A table I opened was joined by a player who was new to the game and relatively new to BGA (and by a third experienced player). I have no shared language with the new player. I offered in the game chat (in English) to answer questions about the game -- to no response, but that's fine (though it's also possible they don't know about the game chat box and/or the google translate link). The new player's subsequent moves suggest that they don't understand at least one and possibly all three of the game interface, the game rules, or the game strategy. Maybe they're having fun just noodling around (in which case I'd opt not to play with them again), maybe they're finding this frustrating, I can't tell. It would be nice to know whether they'd like help or are frustrated. Will google translate do a decent job translating game jargon? Is there a forum I missed where I might find someone who speaks their language who'd be willing to check in? Would that be too pushy? I'm not sure how to address the situation gracefully. (A formal complaint seems entirely wrong, and there doesn't seem to be a more casual mode for requesting assistance with or for another player.)

Suggestions would be appreciated.

The beginner in your game has a bad reputation for quitting, and has already played enough other games on BGA to have discovered the chat box. I'd say it's more likely they're not that serious about doing well in the game and you've already done enough trying to reach out/offer to help.

But if you still want to do more, you could ask in the translation forum if an Italian speaker could help.

As to google translator, I found it pretty good in translating between letter-based writings in different languages, but almost incomprehensible for writings like e. g. japanese.

But it is not very likely that google translator can handle with slang or "non-official" abbreviations (like you use in SMS). So in order to be understood, you better write like you did in school

They could be a kid, not allowed to use the chat

Thank you all for your thoughts. I've asked more clearly (I hope) and with a google-provided translation whether the new player wants help with the UI and/or rules.

That someone might be able to use the chat function hadn't occurred to me. (I have not found documentation on minors not being allowed to use the chat function, but bans exist.) Is there any indication of chat limitations so that others in the game know not to expect or be annoyed by a lack of replies?

Cigma, do you have a sense of whether google translate handles gaming-specific terminology reasonably well?

GeraldineMerida, I realize the player's karma is low, but so far they've been keeping up with the expected game pace and causing no offense, just bafflement, so I'd like not to assume the worst. Folks on BGA have surprised me positively on occasion.
There appears to be at least one group for Italian speakers. I may try asking there, as the translators' forums seem more business-like.

mikkashar wrote: ↑12 December 2022, 06:47 Cigma, do you have a sense of whether google translate handles gaming-specific terminology reasonably well?

If your wording is like in a rulebook, google translator should generally be good enough.

mikkashar wrote: ↑12 December 2022, 06:47 There appears to be at least one group for Italian speakers. I may try asking there, as the translators' forums seem more business-like.

I know about these 2 italian groups: https://boardgamearena.com/group?id=7344305 and https://boardgamearena.com/group?id=7582538

Thank you!

mikkashar wrote: ↑12 December 2022, 06:47 That someone might be able to use the chat function hadn't occurred to me. (I have not found documentation on minors not being allowed to use the chat function, but bans exist.) Is there any indication of chat limitations so that others in the game know not to expect or be annoyed by a lack of replies?

There is no indication, but Romain672 has just opened a suggestion report on it: https://boardgamearena.com/bug?id=77442
Good idea!