Quoting in Mandarin: Direct, Indirect, and Academic Citations

How to quote in Mandarin?

Quoting in Mandarin involves understanding specific punctuation rules for direct speech, mastering reporting verbs for indirect speech, and adhering to appropriate citation conventions for academic or formal contexts.

Direct Quotations

Direct quotations in Mandarin are used to reproduce the exact words of a speaker or writer. The primary punctuation mark used is the Chinese quotation mark (引號, yǐnhào), which has a unique form distinct from Western quotation marks.

• Standard Quotation Marks: The most common form is 「 」 for the first level of quotation and 『 』 for nested quotations (quotes within quotes). In digital contexts, especially online, Western-style double quotes “ ” are also frequently used, although 「 」 is traditionally preferred and more formal.

  • Example (Traditional): 他說：「今天天氣真好。」 (Tā shuō: "Jīntiān tiānqì zhēn hǎo.") - He said, "The weather is really good today."
  • Example (Nested): 老師問：「誰能解釋『光合作用』是什麼？」 (Lǎoshī wèn: "Shuí néng jiěshì 'guānghézuòyòng' shì shénme?") - The teacher asked, "Who can explain what 'photosynthesis' is?"

• Punctuation Placement: In Mandarin, punctuation marks (such as commas, periods, question marks, and exclamation points) related to the quoted text are typically placed inside the closing quotation mark.

  • Example: 他問：「你吃飯了嗎？」 (Tā wèn: "Nǐ chīfàn le ma?") - He asked, "Have you eaten?"
  • Example: 她說：「我喜歡這本書！」 (Tā shuō: "Wǒ xǐhuān zhè běn shū!") - She said, "I like this book!"
  • Note on Dialogue: When quoting dialogue, each speaker's turn typically starts on a new line.

Indirect Quotations (Reported Speech)

Indirect quotations, or reported speech, convey the meaning of what was said without using the exact words. This is common in everyday conversation and formal writing.

• Common Reporting Verbs:

  • 說 (shuō): To say, to speak.
  • 認為 (rènwéi): To think, to believe.
  • 表示 (biǎoshì): To express, to indicate.
  • 覺得 (juéde): To feel, to think.
  • 指出 (zhǐchū): To point out.
  • 強調 (qiángdiào): To emphasize.

• Structure: Unlike English, Mandarin often does not require a conjunction like "that" to introduce reported speech. The reported clause simply follows the reporting verb.

  • Example: 他說他今天很忙。 (Tā shuō tā jīntiān hěn máng.) - He said that he was very busy today.
  • Example: 老師認為這項研究很重要。 (Lǎoshī rènwéi zhè xiàng yánjiū hěn zhòngyào.) - The teacher believes this research is very important.

• No Quotation Marks: Indirect speech does not use quotation marks, as the words are not being directly reproduced.

Citing Sources in Academic/Formal Contexts

When quoting or paraphrasing information from external sources in academic papers, research reports, or formal articles, proper citation is crucial for acknowledging original work and maintaining academic integrity.

• Referencing Styles: While international styles like APA (American Psychological Association) and MLA (Modern Language Association) are widely used, especially in fields with international collaboration, Chinese academic institutions often adhere to the national standard GB/T 7714 (Information and Documentation – Rules for Bibliographic References and Citations).

  • GB/T 7714: This standard provides detailed guidelines for in-text citations and reference lists, often incorporating elements similar to ISO 690. It is common in Chinese scientific, technical, and academic publications.

• In-text Citations:

  • Author-Date System (Common in APA/GB/T 7714): Typically, the author's surname and the year of publication are included in parentheses after the quoted or paraphrased material, sometimes with a page number.
    • Example (Direct Quote): 「運動對健康有益」(王, 2019, p. 50)。 ("Exercise is beneficial for health" (Wang, 2019, p. 50).)
    • Example (Paraphrase): 王 (2019) 指出運動能顯著提升健康水平。(Wang (2019) pointed out that exercise can significantly improve health levels.)
  • Numerical System (Common in GB/T 7714 for some fields): A number in square brackets [ ] refers to a corresponding entry in the reference list.
    • Example: 根據研究顯示，規律運動能有效降低慢性病風險 [1]。 (According to research, regular exercise can effectively reduce the risk of chronic diseases [1].)

• Reference List (參考文獻, cānkǎo wénxiàn): A comprehensive list of all sources cited in the text is provided at the end of the document. The format varies significantly by style guide but generally includes:

  • Author(s)
  • Publication Year
  • Title of Work
  • Source (e.g., Journal Name, Book Title, Publisher)
  • Page Numbers (for articles or chapters)
  • DOI or URL (for online sources)

Practical Considerations and Nuances

• Context is Key: Always consider the context when quoting. Is it formal or informal? Spoken or written? This will influence the choice of punctuation and reporting style.
• Accuracy: When quoting directly, ensure absolute accuracy of the original words. Even a minor change can alter the meaning.
• Translation Challenges: Quoting from a translated work or translating a quote yourself requires careful attention to preserve the original intent and nuance. It's often best to cite the original source if possible and indicate if the translation is your own.
• When to Quote vs. Paraphrase:
  • Quote Directly: When the exact wording is crucial (e.g., definitions, specific statements, powerful rhetoric), or when analyzing a particular phrase.
  • Paraphrase: When conveying the main idea or information from a source in your own words. This demonstrates understanding and integrates the information more smoothly into your writing.

Conclusion

Mastering the art of quoting in Mandarin, whether directly or indirectly, is fundamental for effective communication and academic integrity. By understanding the specific punctuation, reporting verbs, and citation conventions, you can accurately convey information and properly acknowledge sources, enhancing the clarity and credibility of your written and spoken Mandarin.