The Modern Language Association (MLA) style provides guidelines for citing sources in academic writing, particularly in the humanities. When a source is a book originally written in one language and subsequently rendered into another language, specific citation elements are required. These elements acknowledge both the original author and the individual responsible for the linguistic adaptation. For instance, a citation would include the original author’s name, the title of the book, the translator’s name, and publication details.
Acknowledging the translator’s role is crucial for several reasons. It gives credit to the individual who facilitated access to the work for a different language audience. It also allows researchers to identify the specific version they consulted, as different translations can vary in interpretation and accuracy. Furthermore, it respects intellectual property rights and academic integrity by correctly attributing all contributions to the final product. The availability of translated works significantly broadens the scope of accessible scholarship and enables cross-cultural understanding.
