Edited Chapter in Another Language in MLA

• Tomas Elliott (Ph.D.)
• Published on 09/20/2024
• Updated on04/14/2025

When citing a chapter in an edited book published in a foreign language in MLA format, one has to follow a specific format so that the citation is unambiguous and consistent. The format allows readers to locate the source material with ease even when the material is published in a language different from their own. Below is a step-by-step guide to constructing a citation in this case.

STRUCTURE FOR CITING A CHAPTER IN AN EDITED BOOK IN ANOTHER LANGUAGE

• Chapter Author: Start with the main persons, groups, or organizations who were involved in the production of the chapter or section.
• Chapter Title: The chapter title should be in quotation marks.
• Translation of Title: If the chapter title is not in English, give the title in English translation. Place the translated title in square brackets immediately after the original title, and place quotation marks around both the original and translated titles.
• Book Title: The book title must be italicized.
  Translation of Book Title: Offer the translation of the book title into English in square brackets and italicize.
• Edited by: Identify that the book is edited by indicating the editor’s name followed by “edited by.”
• Version: Indicate the book’s version if available, i.e., second edition or revised edition. The information is not obligatory and can be added only in case.
• City of Publication: Provide the city where the book was published, followed by a comma.
• Publisher: Provide the name of the publisher, followed by a comma.
• Publication Date: List the publication year, followed by a comma.
• Page Extent: List the chapter page range in the form “pp. xx-xx.” End with a period. If more information is required, e.g., a specific section or part, put it after the page extent.
• DOI: If a digital object identifier (DOI) is present, include it at the end of the citation.

EXAMPLE CITATION FOR CITING A CHAPTER IN AN EDITED BOOK IN ANOTHER LANGUAGE

Example with Individual Author:

Example with Organization as Author:

Title Case and Sentence Case: Apply title case to the English translation of chapter and book titles, capitalizing major words. Apply sentence case to the original-language titles, capitalizing only the first word and proper nouns. This differentiates between the original and translated titles and maintains your citation readable. Verify Translation Accuracy: Make sure to double-check that title and book name translations are correct and reflect the original content exactly. If unsure of the translation, consult a reliable translation resource or ask advice from a native speaker to avoid misrepresentation of the source content. Ensure Consistency in Formatting: Be consistent with the formatting of your citation. This involves using the same type of font and style for italics, quotation marks, and square brackets. Consistency in formatting helps in presenting your citation in a professional and clean manner. Provide All Information Necessary for Publication: Be certain to provide all information necessary for publication, including the edition, the city where the work was published, and the publisher. Failure to provide these items can result in incomplete citations that might make it difficult for the reader to find the source. Review the Source for Additional Information: Before finalizing your citation, review the source to ensure that all necessary information is included. This might include checking for specific page numbers, any available DOI, or additional publication details that could be relevant for accurate referencing.