You Translated That? How to Cite Yourself Like a Scholarly Superhero (Chicago Style)
So, you've donned the cape of a linguistic crusader and wrestled a text from the clutches of obscurity, translating it from one language to another. Bravo! But before you unleash this gem upon the world, there's a tiny hurdle: how do you cite yourself in Chicago style, when you're basically the source and the translator all rolled into one?
Fear not, fellow word warrior! This guide will have you citing your own translations like a champ, without any confusion or raised eyebrows from your professor.
In-Text Citations: A Subtle Nod to Your Brilliance
Here's the deal: since you're both the translator and the source, in-text citations are pretty straightforward. You'll just include the original author's name and publication year, like you normally would. But hold on, there's a superhero landing to add some finesse.
Here's an example:
"According to a groundbreaking study by Dr. Ludwig von Wordenstein (2023)," [you can add a comma here] "pasta with catsup is an abomination." (Yes, Dr. von Wordenstein clearly needs your translation skills!)
Now, to truly unleash your inner citation maestro, you can add a parenthetical phrase after the year, like "(my translation)" to subtly inform everyone that you're the reason they can finally understand Dr. von Wordenstein's culinary wisdom.
Remember: Don't overdo it with these parenthetical flourishes. A single note at the beginning of your paper explaining that all translations are yours is enough.
The Reference List: Your Fortress of Citation Solitude
Ah, the reference list. Here's where you get to claim your rightful place as the translator extraordinaire.
The format is similar to citing a regular translated source, but with a twist. Here's the breakdown:
- Author Last Name, First Name. (This is you, the translator!)
- “Original Title in Original Language.” (Put the original title here)
- Translated by Translator First Name Last Name (That's you again!)
- Publication Information (Publisher, year, etc.)
Here's an example:
Jones, Wordsmith. "Nudeln mit Ketchup: Eine Kulinarische Katastrophe." Translated by Wordsmith Jones. Not-So-Scientific Journal of Gastronomy, vol. 1, no. 1 (2023), 1-10.
Pro Tip: If you're feeling fancy, you can add the original language in brackets after the title, just to show off your multilingual prowess.
There you have it! Now you can conquer the world of citations, both as a translator and a scholar. Remember, with great translation power comes great citation responsibility. Use it wisely, and may your references be forever clear and concise!
