Tsitaate

Tsitaate is the term used in Estonian to denote quotations or quoted material. In general, a tsitaat is a sequence of words attributed to a speaker or author, presented to convey exact wording or preserved ideas. Tsitaadid are used to illustrate a point, support an argument, or record someone’s words for reference. The practice covers direct quotes and indirect quotes or paraphrases.

Etymology and terminology: The Estonian tsitaat derives from the concept of quotation and has cognates in many languages, such as German Zitat and French citation, reflecting a shared Latin root citare meaning “to quote.”

Usage and conventions: In scholarly writing, accurate attribution and faithful reproduction of original wording are emphasized to avoid misquotation. Quotation marks, punctuation, and source citations vary by language and style guide; direct quotes are typically enclosed in quotation marks or specialized punctuation, while longer quotations may be formatted as block quotes. Quotation practices also extend to journalism and digital media, where quote collections and databases are common.

Ethical considerations: Quotation integrity, preserving context, and proper attribution are central to reliable communication. Misattribution or omitting context can distort meaning and undermine trust.

See also: Quotation, Quotation marks, Citation, Source.