How do I quote music lyrics from another language in my English essay in APA style?

For example, the lyrics I want to use are in Japanese, but my essay is written in English.

Answer

Thank you for the question about APA and translations.

There are two ways to cite the lyrics from another language.

1--If citing an already published translation: The offical APA style blog says:

  • For an English translation of a foreign work, the author, title, and so forth come from the version you read, with a nod to the translator:
Piaget, J. (1969). The psychology of the child (H. Weaver, 
     Trans.). New York, NY: Basic Books.
  •  Cite the lyrics from the songwriter who wrote them, but include the name of the Translator in parentheses.
  •  If the translation is from a website, use Retrieved from and the website address at the end.

2--If translating another language into English for the reader:

  • APA considers that to be a paraphrase.
  • Use a regular paraphrase in-text citation of (author, date)--though it would be helpful in this instance to also include the page or paragraph number to help the reader.
  • For the References page, cite the original work as you found it (title in original language and all), but also give an English translation for the title in brackets after the original title (no italics on the English one).
  • You do not need to list yourself as the translator anywhere in your paper or your references.

Example-- Zamaripa, A. (Year). Los hijos crecieron bien [The kids grew up well]. Retrieved from website address.

Thank you for using ASK US. For further assistance, please contact your Baker librarians.

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  • Last Updated Feb 17, 2021
  • Views 1994
  • Answered By Baker Librarians

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