Tsitaat

Tsitaat is a fragment of spoken or written language that is reproduced verbatim from a source. It is used to convey the exact words of a speaker or author, to preserve nuance, or to support arguments. A tsitaat is typically attributed to its source.

There are two main forms: direct quotation (sõnaline tsitaat) and paraphrase (parafraas). A direct tsitaat presents the original wording verbatim, while a paraphrase restates the meaning in the writer's own words. Direct quotes can be short or long; long quotes are often presented as a block quotation separated from the main text.

Punctuation and typography: In Estonian texts, quotes are marked with quotation marks. The traditional form uses the double angle quotation marks (« »), though the standard " marks are also common. When a quote is embedded in a sentence, it is enclosed in quotation marks. For additions or edits within a quotation, square brackets are used. Ellipses indicate omitted material. If the quotation ends with a question or exclamation that is part of the original, the punctuation remains inside the quotes; otherwise punctuation may follow the attribution.

Ethics and editing: Quotations should be accurate and unaltered except for permissible editorial changes indicated by brackets or ellipses. The source must be properly attributed, and quotations should be kept in context to avoid misrepresentation.

Contexts: Tsitaadid are widely used in academic writing, journalism, literature, and public discourse to record voices, evidence, and authority.