Journal Article in Another Language in MLA

• Hannah Berry (Ph.D.)
• Published on 03/30/2024

Citing journal articles is a crucial aspect of academic writing, ensuring that proper credit is given to the original authors and allowing readers to locate the sources mentioned. When dealing with articles published in languages other than English, it becomes essential to provide accurate citations in a standardized format. The Modern Language Association (MLA) style provides guidelines for citing such articles, ensuring clarity and consistency in academic writing.

CITATION ELEMENTS FOR JOURNAL ARTICLE IN ANOTHER LANGUAGE

• Contributors: Start by listing the individuals, groups, or organizations responsible for creating or adapting the republished book. Include their names or group/organization names as applicable. This ensures proper acknowledgment of all parties involved in the creation or adaptation process.
• Title of Article: Enclose the title of the article in quotation marks, respecting the capitalization style used in the original language. This maintains the integrity of the title as it appeared in the publication.
• Translation of Title: Provide a translation of the article title in square brackets and quotation marks. Capitalize the first letter of each word in the translation, except for conjunctions, articles, and prepositions. This ensures clarity and accessibility for readers who may not understand the original language.
• Title of Journal: Italicize the title of the journal, adhering to standard capitalization rules. This distinguishes the journal title from other elements in the citation and emphasizes its importance.
• Volume Number and Issue Number: Include the volume number followed by the issue number, separated by a comma. This information helps readers locate the specific article within the journal.
• Abbreviated Month/Season and Publication Year: Specify the abbreviated month or season of publication, if provided, followed by the publication year. This details when the article was published, aiding in chronological organization and citation retrieval.
• Page Extent: Indicate the page numbers where the article appears in the journal. This allows readers to locate the article within the publication and access the relevant content easily.
• Name of Database or Website: If the article was accessed online, include the name of the database or website where it was found. Italicize this information to differentiate it from other components of the citation.
• DOI or URL: Provide the Digital Object Identifier (DOI) if available, which offers a stable link to the article. If a DOI is not provided, include the URL where the article can be accessed online. This facilitates readers’ ability to access the article directly from the source provided in the citation.

In The Works Cited List: Translations of titles in languages other than English are usually unnecessary, especially if your audience is composed primarily of people who know the language. However, if your audience is likely to include readers unfamiliar with the language, it may be helpful to provide a translation, placed in square brackets after the original title. This ensures accessibility and comprehension for a wider audience.  Verify Publication Details: Double-check publication details such as volume number, issue number, and page extent to ensure accuracy, especially when dealing with journals from non-English-speaking regions. Mistakes in these details can lead to difficulty in locating the cited article for verification or further study. Consult Language Dictionaries or Style Guides: When translating titles or other citation elements from another language into English, consult reputable language dictionaries or style guides to ensure accuracy. Pay attention to nuances in meaning, as well as grammatical and syntactical differences between languages. Accurate translations contribute to the clarity and understanding of your citations.

EXAMPLES OF JOURNAL ARTICLE IN ANOTHER LANGUAGE