In the academic and literary field, translation is a common and necessary to spread knowledge and work through different languages. However, an important question arises: how should you cite your translation properly?
In the following lines we will explain the guidelines to be followed to correctly cite your composition. All this with the aim of ensuring transparency in research, academic integrity and respect for intellectual property.
Why is it important to cite your translation properly
First of all, it is important to know that in the event that a specialised translation of a specific text is required, it is advisable to seek the help of the best translators in Madrid. These experts guarantee the exact understanding of any content. Their priority is to maintain coherence and consistency.
However, the correct citation of your translation is a fundamental aspect in the academic and literary field. Although it may seem counterintuitive, citing a personal transcript is an act that reflects a commitment to academic integrity. It ensures proper attribution to the original author.
Such a practice contributes to transparency and intellectual honesty. Providing the original source along with the translation allows readers and reviewers to verify the accuracy and faithfulness of the work. It also helps to avoid misunderstandings and confusion by clearly establishing the original authorship.
Furthermore, it minimises the risk of plagiarism and protects copyright. The aim is to prevent the misappropriation of ideas and to encourage respect for the creative work of original authors. This is especially important in the digital environment.
Key elements in citing your own translation
Often the need arises to seek the support of a sworn translation service in technical, financial, marketing or other more specific fields. This is the right decision as professionals know exactly what to do.
However, when it comes to your own transcript, several aspects must be considered. It is relevant to provide the necessary information to give credit to the transcript and to enable readers to locate and reference a work properly.
The following are the key elements that should be included in the citation of a self-written piece.
Authorship and responsibility
Authorship implies timely attribution of the original work to the corresponding author, respecting his or her intellectual contribution.
Moreover, the responsibility lies with the translator, who must assume responsibility for the quality and accuracy of the translation. In this sense, transparency and honesty are key elements.
How to reference your own translation? The author of the original work must be mentioned in the citation, followed by the indication “own translation”. For example: author’s surname, author’s first name (year). Title of the book. Own translation.
Title of the translated work
When citing your own version, you must include both the original title of the work and the title of the Spanish transcription. This allows readers and scholars to distinguish between the original work and its translated version.
The title of the translated work also reflects the work of the translator and his or her ability to capture the meaning and essence of the original text. The translation must be faithful and adequately convey the content and intent of the original text.
A carefully selected title can spark readers’ interest and establish a suitable connection between the original work and its translated version. It should be written in italics or in inverted commas, depending on the style conventions used. For example: “Title of the translated book”.
Indicating that this is an own translation
This clear indication is essential to avoid misunderstandings, to correctly attribute the work done and to minimise the risk of plagiarism. When citing their own work, translators must be sure explicitly mention that it is their own version.
This can be done by using expressions such as “own translation” or “translation by the author of this work”. This simple and straightforward statement provides clarity and transparency about the authorship of the work.
Indicating that it is your own writing is essential to demonstrate intellectual honesty and respect for the work of others. It allows readers and reviewers to assess the quality and faithfulness of the work. It also helps to distinguish clearly between the original ideas and the translator’s interpretation.
Date and publication details
Including the date and publication details is a key element. It provides relevant information about the availability and contextualisation of the transcript, ensuring accurate and complete referencing.
The date of publication is essential to place the writing in its temporal context. Indicating the year in which a composition was published allows readers and scholars to understand the chronology of the work and its relationship to other publications. It also allows for the identification of later editions or revisions of the transcript.
Publication details refer to the name of the publisher and the place of publication. These details provide a complete reference and enable readers to locate and access the work if they wish to consult it.
Citation format for your own translation in different citation styles
The citation format for personal translation usually has different citation styles, as explained below.
MLA Format
In the MLA format, the name of the original author must be cited followed by the title and the book or article translated. This is followed by the name of the translator, the place of publication, the publisher, the year of publication and the means of publication (print or electronic).
Example:
- Surname, First name. Title of the book or article translated. Translator’s first name and surname. Place of publication: Publisher, Year of publication. Means of publication.
APA Format
In APA format, the surname and first initial of the original author are given, followed by the year of publication. Subsequently, the title of the book or article translated is indicated, followed by “(Translator’s first name and surname)”. The place of publication and publisher are specified.
Example:
- Surname, First name initial (Year). Title of the book or article translated (Translator’s first name and surname). Place of publication: Publisher.
Chicago Format
Chicago style cites the surname and first name of the original author, followed by the title and the book or article translated. In addition, the name of the translator, the place of publication, publisher and year of publication are specified.
Example:
- Surname, first name of the original author. Title of the book or article translated. Translated by First name, Surname. Place of publication: Publisher, Year of publication.
