How to Cite a Non-English Journal in Harvard

• Tomas Elliott (Ph.D.)
• Published on 10/16/2025

For non-English journal articles, it is important to ensure that the readers can identify, locate, and understand the source appropriately.

Journal Article in Another Language (Print Version)

When a journal article is published in print format in a non-English language, the citation is very specific. 

Key Elements Explained

• Contributor (Author or Organization): Begin the citation with the last name of the first author, followed by the initials.
• Year of Publication: The year of publication appears in round brackets right after the authors’ names.
• Title of the Article: The title must be in the original publication language and in single quotation marks.
• Translated Title (English Translation): Right after the original title, put an English translation in square brackets. This allows non-native readers to understand the substance of the source. Don’t italicize the translation.
• Title of the Journal: The journal title is italicized, with the first letter of each important word capitalized. Linking words and, of, the, or for are in lowercase.
• Volume and Issue Number: Place the volume number followed by the issue number in parentheses.
• Page Range: End with the article’s page numbers, preceded by pp.

Citing a Journal Article in Another Language (Online Version)

The style of the citation is almost the same as the print but with a DOI (Digital Object Identifier) or a URL included. A DOI is utilized wherever it is possible because it is a permanent and stable reference to the article that ensures readers’ access to the article. If no DOI is feasible, utilize a direct URL in its stead, followed by the access date of the source.

Accuracy of Original Title: Ensure to replicate the article’s title exactly as it was originally published, including each accent, diacritic, and special character. Errors in the original title can undermine credibility and make it harder for readers to locate the source. Translated Title: Keep it concise but clear to maintain the original nuance of the research topic. Italicization Rules: Only the journal title and volume number are to be italicized. Issue number, page range, and translated title are in plain font. The consistent usage of italics is easier to read and Harvard-compliant. Capitalization Rules: Use Harvard rules of capitalizing journal titles: capitalize the first letter of main words, but not prepositions, conjunctions, and articles (such as and, of, the, for) that need to be left in lowercase.