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Home > FAQ > How to cite a journal article that contains multiple language versions?

How to cite a journal article that contains multiple language versions?

October 30, 2025
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Citing journal articles with multiple language versions requires citing the specific version you accessed and used, even if alternative translations exist. This ensures proper attribution and allows readers to locate your source. Citing multiple versions of the same article is generally not standard practice unless you explicitly compare them. The primary rule is to reference the specific linguistic version you consulted, accurately reflecting its bibliographic details. Necessary information includes authors, title *in the language read*, translated journal title (if applicable and following style guide rules), publication year, volume, issue, page numbers, and DOI/URL. If translating the title yourself, indicate this. Consistency with a chosen citation style (APA, MLA, Chicago) is mandatory, paying attention to their guidelines for translated works. Crucially, only one version should appear in the reference list. To implement this, identify and cite the exact language version utilized for your research. Include all standard bibliographic elements corresponding to that specific version in your reference list entry. For electronically accessed sources, include the stable identifier like the DOI; if a localized version exists online, use its specific URL. Optionally, mention in-text or a note that other language versions are available for reference, but these do not belong in the formal reference list. The cited version should directly support your argument and be verifiable by readers.
How to cite a journal article that contains multiple language versions?
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