Sitater

Sitater are phrases or longer passages taken from another source and reproduced verbatim. They are used to convey someone else’s exact words, to lend authority, or to preserve nuance that paraphrase may miss. In written text, direct sitater are typically enclosed in quotation marks and attributed to a named source; indirect sitater convey the same idea without quoting the exact wording and often require different citation practices.

Different forms include short inline sitater, longer block sitater set off from the main text, and sitater used within dialogue in fiction. The presentation of sitater varies by language and style guide, with conventions for punctuation, capitalization, and citation. In academic writing, sitater are governed by style guides such as APA, MLA, or Chicago, which specify how to format the quotation and how to cite its source. In journalism, accuracy, context, and fair representation are emphasized.

Challenges include ensuring accuracy, avoiding misquotation or out-of-context use, and deciding when to quote versus paraphrase. Translations add another layer, as tone and nuance can be altered in transfer between languages. Collections of sitater—quotes from famous people, literature, or public discourse—serve as a reservoir of language for inspiration, argument, or cultural reflection.