How should I treat foreign terms in MLA style?

How should Icelandic names be cited?

Many Icelandic names consist of a first name and a matronymic or patronymic, not a family name: Björk Guðmundsdóttir (that is, Björk, Guðmundur’s daughter)  Gunnar… Read More

Should I translate names of foreign institutions?

In your works-cited-list entry, provide the name of a foreign institution in the original language if that is how it is presented in your source. Read More

Should my student provide both English and Chinese versions of a works-cited-list entry when citing a work in Chinese?

In its publications, the MLA prefers to provide works-cited-list entries in the original script, along with a translation and sometimes a transliteration, for works not written in… Read More

Do I need to provide a works-cited-list entry if I am citing scriptural writings in the original language?

Yes. If you cite scriptural writings in the original language, provide the edition of the religious work you are using. Read More

In my works-cited-list entry, how do I give the title of a foreign work that is provided on the title page in both English and the original language?

When referring to a work in a bilingual volume in which titles appear in both languages, give both titles and interpolate a slash between them. Read More

When translating from a language that does not use roman characters, like Chinese, do I include the original characters or a transliteration? And how do I alphabetize titles of nonroman works?

In its publications, the MLA prefers to give the original characters (script) and a translation for titles and quotations; it also includes transliteration in some… Read More

Can I use et al. in place of translators’ names in a works-cited-list entry?

Yes. As page 22 of the MLA Handbook notes, the use of et al. for three or more authors extends to other types of creators… Read More