This site uses cookies.
Some of these cookies are essential to the operation of the site,
while others help to improve your experience by providing insights into how the site is being used.
For more information, please see the ProZ.com privacy policy.
When I'm using a foreign word within my English translation (I translate from Japanese), I usually just put the word in italics. No problem there. However, what if that word is being referred to as a word within the original? (I'm translating a passage that's about the etymology of a word.) Now I'm confused. Should I use both italics and quotation marks? Or drop the italics when I switch to using quotes? Or not use italics at all? I've searched and searched on line for an answer this--without ... See more
When I'm using a foreign word within my English translation (I translate from Japanese), I usually just put the word in italics. No problem there. However, what if that word is being referred to as a word within the original? (I'm translating a passage that's about the etymology of a word.) Now I'm confused. Should I use both italics and quotation marks? Or drop the italics when I switch to using quotes? Or not use italics at all? I've searched and searched on line for an answer this--without success--so I hope some fellow translator out there has the answer. If there is one. I imagine this comes up in other languages, too, so I'm posting here.
The contents of this post will automatically be included in the ticket generated. Please add any additional comments or explanation (optional)
Phil Hand China Local time: 05:42 Chinese to English
When in Etymologia, do as Etymologians do?
Feb 28, 2015
As I recall, it's generally italics only.
This site: http://www.etymonline.com/ uses italics for the foreign or ancient words, with definitions in quotes following. Seems like a decent system to me.
Subject:
Comment:
The contents of this post will automatically be included in the ticket generated. Please add any additional comments or explanation (optional)
The Chicago Manual of Style (section 7.58) indicates that usually italics are used for a word used as a word. That doesn't quite answer your question but it goes on to give an example that includes quotation marks for certain contexts including foreign terms: The Spanish verbs ser and estar are both rendered by "to be."
I think your instinct that both italics and quotes on the same word would seem strange is right.
Subject:
Comment:
The contents of this post will automatically be included in the ticket generated. Please add any additional comments or explanation (optional)
The leading translation software used by over 270,000 translators.
Designed with your feedback in mind, Trados Studio 2022 delivers an unrivalled, powerful desktop
and cloud solution, empowering you to work in the most efficient and cost-effective way.
Manage your TMs and Terms ... and boost your translation business
Are you ready for something fresh in the industry? TM-Town is a unique new site for you -- the freelance translator -- to store, manage and share translation memories (TMs) and glossaries...and potentially meet new clients on the basis of your prior work.