citatet

Citatet is a term used in several Nordic languages to refer to a portion of text taken from another source and reproduced, typically verbatim, with attribution to the original author. In scholarly and journalistic writing, quotes are used to present someone else’s words accurately, to support an argument, or to provide evidence, while avoiding misrepresentation.

Etymology and usage: The word derives from Latin citare, meaning “to summon” or “to call forth.” In Swedish, Norwegian, and Danish, forms such as citat or citatet denote the quoted material, while the term citattecken refers to quotation marks that mark the beginning and end of the quoted text.

Types and formats: A direct quotation preserves the exact wording of the source. An indirect quotation, or paraphrase, rewords the idea in the author’s own wording. Longer quotes are often set off as block quotes in many styles. Paraphrase is common in narrative writing and analysis, while direct quotes are favored for precision or voices of particular significance.

Punctuation and style: Quoted material is typically enclosed by quotation marks or by unconventional marks (e.g., guillemets) depending on language. Academic style guides (such as APA, MLA, Chicago) outline rules for attribution, punctuation, and the inclusion of page numbers or publication details to aid source verification and prevent misquotation.

Ethical considerations: When using citatet, attribution is essential, and quotes should reflect the original meaning and context. Alterations for clarity may require brackets or ellipses, and omissions should be indicated to avoid distortion.

In practice, citatet serves as a bridging device between a source and the reader, enabling precise reference to authorities, evidence, or voices cited in the text.