What is the correct way to mark a section as a translation?
I am often in the situation where I would like to cite a source in another language, and as such include my own translation alongside the quotation.
I have been told that translation is a form of paraphrase, and as such using quotation marks is inappropriate as it isn't verbatim.
On the other hand, I would like to clearly mark which parts are a translation from the source and which parts are my own. What is the best way to go about this situation?
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Translations should be identified with a language identifier, such as "[Translated]" or by using the abbreviation "(trans.)" after the original text. For clarity and accuracy, it is also important to provide information about the source language.
If this is a formal academic work, there is likely a style guide which addresses this, or an editor who has final say.
If not, adopt a convention and explain it the first time you bring in a translation:
Original text is quoted. My translation appears in italics. When I rely on another's translation, it is in italics and a credit will appear afterwards.
"Illegitimi non carborundum"
Don't [allow] bastards to wear you down. This is a World War II-era example of dog Latin.
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To mark a section as a translation, start by clearly labeling it with a heading like "Translation" or "Translated from [language]." Use brackets or italics to highlight any translator notes if needed. Ensure the translated text is accurate, maintains the original tone, and matches the context. Providing the source language and a brief attribution also helps readers understand the origin and authenticity of the content.
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To indicate that a section is a translation, use the appropriate tags or annotations based on the platform you are using. For instance, in HTML, you can utilize the tag to specify the language. In documents, simply label the section as "Translation" or "Translated Text" for clarity. It's important to maintain consistency throughout.
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