Foreign Language Translation - square editorial brackets or parenthesis

While researching how to cite a foreign language title of a record with a translation, I came across what appears to be a contradiction in Evidence Explained ("EE").

I have found that usually when one sees an apparent contradiction, it is because one doesn't understand all the rules.  So please be patient with me as I work toward greater understanding. :^)

 

The rule in most places in EE is to put the translation in square editorial brackets immediately following the foreign language title.

EE 2.23, p. 53

Jean Milfort-Leclerc, Mémoire, ou, Coup-d’oeil rapide sur mes différens voyages et mon séjour dans la nation Creek [Memoir: Or, a Quick Glance at My Different Travels and My Sojourn in the Creek Nation] (Paris: Giguet et Michaud, 1802), 41.

EE 3.12, p. 124

“État De La Force Actuel De La Compe De La Mazillier destaché Au Illinois” [Statement of the actual strength of the De La Mazillier’s Company detached at Illinois], September 1752, MS LO 377; Vaudreuil Papers ...

EE 6.54, p. 307

1815 census, Gratteri, Palermo, Italy, “Riveli di beni e anime” [Disclosures of families and property], pp. 2 (master list) and 49 (individual sheet), for Giacomo Ilardo; Archivio di Stato Palermo; FHL microfilm 2,154,489, item 3.

 

However, the section on church records says to use parenthesis for the translation.

EE 7.16 p. 330

San Antonio de Valero Parish (San Antonio, Texas), “Libre en que se Assientanlos Bautismos de los Indios de esta Mission de S. Anto de Valero” (Book in which there has been entered baptisms of the Indians attached to this mission of San Antonio de Valero), section Mission de Solano: unpaginated entry 15, Xtobal [Christobal] Rangel (1712); Catholic Archives, Archdiocese of San Antonio.

 

In which instances should one use parenthesis as opposed to square editorial brackets for foreign language translations?

 

   - Brad

Submitted byEEon Tue, 03/10/2015 - 09:28

Dear Eagle-Eyed Brad,

You've caught a typo at 7.16 (p. 331, actually). Thanks for calling it to our attention. It's now flagged for correction in the next editon.

Appreciatively,

Submitted bystoneon Tue, 03/10/2015 - 10:03

Thanks for the quick response. 

 

I guess the book is entitled to have the rare typo since it helps the rest of us correct about a bazillion typos in our citations.

 

It is so immensely helpful to have someone that is coordinating the work towards standardized citations.  Thanks so much to you and your team for all of your diligent efforts.