Edited Chapter in Another Language in MLA

• Tomas Elliott (Ph.D.)
• Published on 09/20/2024

When citing a chapter from an edited book in another language using MLA format, it is important to follow a specific structure to ensure clarity and consistency. This format allows readers to locate the source material efficiently, even when it is in a language different from their own. The following guide outlines the detailed steps and format for creating a citation in this context.

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

• Chapter Author: Begin by identifying the primary individuals, groups, or organizations responsible for the creation of the chapter or section. 
• Chapter Title: The title of the chapter should be enclosed in quotation marks.
• Translation of Title: If the chapter title is in a language other than English, include a translation of the title in English. Place the translated title in square brackets immediately after the original title, and use quotation marks for both the original and translated titles.
• Book Title: The title of the book should be italicized.
• Translation of Book Title: Include a translation of the book title in English, placed in square brackets and italicize.
• Edited by: Indicate that the book is edited by providing the editor’s name preceded by “edited by.”
• Version: Mention the version of the book if there is one, such as a second edition or a revised edition. This detail is optional and should be included only if relevant.
• City of Publication: Provide the city where the book was published, followed by a comma.
• Publisher: Indicate the name of the publisher, followed by a comma.
• Publication Date: List the year of publication, followed by a comma.
• Page Extent: Specify the page range of the chapter in the format “pp. xx-xx.” End with a period. If additional information is required, such as a specific section, include it after the page extent.
• DOI: If a digital object identifier (DOI) is available, 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 the chapter and book titles, capitalizing the principal words. For the titles in the original language, use sentence case, capitalizing only the first word and proper nouns. This helps distinguish between the original and translated titles and maintains clarity in your citation. Verify Translation Accuracy: Ensure that the translation of titles and book names is accurate and reflects the original content faithfully. If you are unsure about the translation, consult a reliable translation source or seek assistance from a native speaker to avoid misrepresentation of the source material. Check for Consistency in Formatting: Maintain consistent formatting throughout your citation. This includes using the same font and style for italics, quotation marks, and square brackets. Consistent formatting helps in presenting a professional and clear citation. Include All Relevant Publication Details: Make sure to include all relevant details such as the edition, city of publication, and the publisher’s name. Omitting these details can lead to incomplete citations that may hinder the reader’s ability to locate 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.