Translating research responsibly
There are language questions and there are publishing questions. Both matter.
What needs the closest check
Not every sentence carries the same risk. Spend your checking time where an error would change the science.
| Part | Risk | How to check |
|---|---|---|
| Title and abstract | Most-read text; sets expectations | Back-translate every sentence |
| Technical terms | Wrong term misleads specialists | Compare with published papers in the field |
| Claims and hedges | Strength of claim changes | Check each modal verb and qualifier |
| Methods | Procedure can't be repeated if unclear | Have a colleague follow it |
| Numbers and units | Decimal commas, date formats | Check every figure by eye |
| Quotations from participants | Meaning and tone | Keep the original alongside, where the journal allows |
Numbers, names and conventions
Convert decimal commas to decimal points for English-language journals, and check thousands separators and date formats. Keep proper names, institution names and the titles of cited works as the target journal's style requires; reference lists usually keep titles in the original language, sometimes with a translation in brackets.
Publishing a translation of a published paper
If the paper has already been published in one language, publishing it again in another is secondary publication. The ICMJE recommendations allow it under conditions: approval from both editors, a clear statement that it's a translation, and a citation to the original. You'll usually also need the permission of whoever holds the copyright.
Submitting a translated paper as if it were new work is duplicate publication, which journals treat as misconduct.
Translating papers you're reading
Translating a paper for your own understanding is fine. Cite the original, not your translation. If you quote from it in your own paper, give the original wording or state that the translation is yours, as your style guide requires.
Disclose and get a second reader
Tell the journal that AI translation was used, where its policy asks for disclosure of AI assistance. If you can, have a colleague who works in the target language read the final version. They don't need to be a translator; they need to know the field.