A standardized method exists for acknowledging a work originally written in a language different from the one in which it is being cited, when using the Modern Language Association (MLA) style. This bibliographic entry necessitates including details about both the original author and the translator, ensuring proper attribution for the intellectual content and its linguistic adaptation. For example: Garca Mrquez, Gabriel. One Hundred Years of Solitude. Translated by Gregory Rabassa, Harper Perennial Modern Classics, 2006.
Accurate and consistent source documentation maintains academic integrity and avoids plagiarism. Indicating that a work is presented in translation is crucial for researchers as it acknowledges the translator’s contribution to making the text accessible to a wider audience. Understanding the source language may influence a scholars interpretation of the original work as the translation may alter the meaning. The inclusion of the translators name also provides an avenue for readers to explore the work of specific translators known for their expertise and skill. Over time, variations in guidance have emerged, reflecting changes in MLA style as well as evolving perceptions of the translator’s role.