Why Should Not Republish Translated Articles

It has become more and more common for authors to submit a translated piece that has previously been published in another language. How moral is it, though? In this article, we’ll talk about secondary submission ethics and why it is improper to republish a translated version of an already-published work. We’ll also look at how writers might stay clear of such transgressions while still having their work translated into other languages.

Why do researchers translate an already published article?

For several reasons, academics could decide to translate and republish an already-published article.

1. The original article can be written in a language the researcher’s audience finds difficult to understand. The research may be easier to read for interested individuals if it is translated into the researcher’s native or another language that is more generally spoken.
2. The researcher might have preferred a more prestigious journal for the original publication. The researcher can raise the article’s visibility and, ultimately, its influence by translating and republishing it in a more esteemed journal.
3. The original paper can be outdated because it was released many years ago. After the original publication, there might have been fresh information or discoveries that have altered its meaning or applicability. The most recent information can be made available to readers by having an updated article translated and published once more.

Is it ethical to translate an already published article?

If you explicitly state that it is a translated version of a previously published work, then yes, it is.

No, it is not if you fail to acknowledge that it is a translation of a previously published study and is not unique research.

There are exceptions where some journals contemplate the republication of already published research if it is in another language, even though most journals are generally against publishing content that has already been published, even in another language. Yet, many publications demand that you make it explicit if your paper has already been published elsewhere.

Should researchers translate their already published article into another journal?

The journal’s policies determine the answer to this question. Researchers can submit translated versions of their articles to some journals but not to others. Submitting a translated article to a journal that does not accept translations would be considered academic misconduct.

A journal might not accept translated submissions to ensure that all of its papers are original or if the journal has concerns about the translation’s quality.

Ultimately, it is up to each journal to decide whether or not to accept translated versions of articles from researchers. You should speak with the editor or publisher of a particular publication directly if you have any questions about its policies.

Four arguments against republishing translated articles

A translated version of a previously published article is a secondary publication when submitted. The academic world disapproves of this since it is regarded as academic misconduct. You shouldn’t repost a translated article for some reasons:

1. It might harm your reputation, to start with. The academic world is highly serious about publication ethics. A secondary publication that you submit could damage your reputation and make it challenging to have future studies published.
2. If you are the author of a paper that has already been published, it may be termed self-plagiarism. Similar to unintentional plagiarism of the works of other authors, self-plagiarism in academia is frowned upon and could affect your standing among peers.
3. That can result in legal issues. You can be in trouble if the journal where the paper was previously published decides to file a lawsuit against you for submitting a secondary publication if that journal possesses the rights to the material.
4. It’s not necessary. Numerous other articles are available but are not yet available in your language. When you could be writing something original, why translate something already published?

Do you still have second thoughts about translating and republishing your previously published material?

Republishing translated works without engaging in academic misconduct

In order to avoid academic misconduct, there are a few important considerations to make when publishing the translated version of an already published article. You may prevent academic misconduct and have your study published in several languages by adhering to these simple rules.

1. Confirming that you have the legal right to translate the initially published work as an author is crucial.
2. The journal where your article is published in a different language must also grant authorization to the author.
3. While translating the article, cite the original source and make it evident that this is a translation of another previously published piece. By doing this, you may ensure that your research is published in an ethical and scholarly manner.
4. Verify that the translated text is a reliable and exact original rendition.

Publishing a translated version of an article that has already been published can assist in boosting the visibility of your research and possibly have a more significant impact on your field of study. These methods can also help you avoid academic misconduct.

Ultimately, it’s up to you whether or not you want to risk submitting a translated article for publication. However, we strongly advise against it as it could lead to serious consequences for your academic career. What are your thoughts? Comment below and let us know. If you have any more queries, let us help you out as you drop these queries off using info@rovedar.com or our manuscript publican services.