Properly acknowledging sources is a cornerstone of academic integrity, and this extends to works that have undergone linguistic conversion. A standardized system exists to give credit to both the original author and the individual responsible for rendering the work in another language. This system typically includes details such as the originator’s name, the title, the translator’s identity, and publication information. For example, a citation might appear as: Garca Mrquez, Gabriel. One Hundred Years of Solitude. Translated by Gregory Rabassa, Harper & Row, 1970.
Accuracy in source attribution is paramount for several reasons. It prevents plagiarism, provides readers with the means to locate the original work, and acknowledges the contributions of all involved in the creative and intellectual process. Moreover, it provides valuable context for understanding the work, as translation inherently involves interpretation and adaptation. Understanding who rendered a literary text in a new language, and potentially their critical or interpretive choices, can be crucial to a reader’s own assessment of the original work.
