Citing a translated academic source is straightforward: you cite the original author and title, then add the translator’s name, the translation’s publication year, and the language marker “Trans.” in your reference list entry. In-text, you cite the original author and the translation year, just as you would any other work, but you may also include the original publication date if it’s relevant to your discussion.
Here’s a practical breakdown of how to do it correctly across common citation styles.
1. Start with the original author and title
The core of the citation remains the original work—who wrote it and what it was originally called. Never cite the translator as the author. For example, if you’re citing a 1967 French book by Michel Foucault translated into English in 1977, Foucault is the author, and the title is the English translation’s title (not the French original).
2. Add the translator and translation details
After the title, include the translator’s name (preceded by “Trans.”), the city and publisher of the translation, and the translation’s publication year. If the original publication year differs, you can include it in parentheses after the title for clarity—this is especially helpful in humanities writing.
3. Follow style-specific formats
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APA (7th ed.):
Foucault, M. (1977). *Discipline and punish: The birth of the prison* (A. Sheridan, Trans.). Pantheon Books. (Original work published 1975)
In-text:(Foucault, 1977/1975)orFoucault (1977/1975). -
MLA (9th ed.):
Foucault, Michel. *Discipline and Punish: The Birth of the Prison*. Translated by Alan Sheridan, Pantheon Books, 1977.
In-text:(Foucault 123)—no need to mention the translator unless you’re quoting and want to credit the translation. -
Chicago (Author-Date):
Foucault, Michel. 1977. *Discipline and Punish: The Birth of the Prison*. Translated by Alan Sheridan. New York: Pantheon Books.
In-text:(Foucault 1977, 123).
4. When to include the original date
If the translation’s date is the only one you have, use it. But if you know the original publication year, include it in parentheses—this helps readers track the intellectual timeline and is required in APA.
5. Citing a translated chapter or article
For a translated journal article or book chapter, follow the same logic: original author, translated title, translator, journal/book details, and page range. The translator goes after the title, before the source container.
A practical tip
If you’re juggling multiple translated sources and worry about missing a translator’s name or getting the format wrong, WisPaper’s TrueCite can auto-verify and format your citations in APA, MLA, or Chicago—catching details like translator placement and original-date brackets before you submit.
Final checklist
- [ ] Original author and title are first
- [ ] Translator’s name is present, preceded by “Trans.”
- [ ] Translation year is included (and original year if known)
- [ ] In-text citation matches your style’s rules for translated works
When in doubt, check your style guide’s specific examples—translated sources are common enough that APA, MLA, and Chicago all have clear templates.
