külgviideidel

Küljaviideidel refers to the concept of side references or secondary citations in academic and research writing. It is a method of attributing information or ideas to a source that the author has not directly consulted but has encountered through another source. This often happens when an author is researching a topic and finds a relevant citation within another published work. Instead of directly accessing the original source, which might be difficult to obtain or out of print, the author cites the secondary source where they found the reference.

The practice of using küljaviideidel is generally discouraged in formal academic contexts. Scholars are expected to engage with primary sources whenever possible to ensure accuracy and to properly understand the context of the original work. Relying on secondary citations can lead to the propagation of errors or misinterpretations, as the information has passed through an intermediary.

However, there are situations where küljaviideidel might be considered unavoidable or even necessary. This could include citing very old or obscure texts that are no longer readily accessible, or when a crucial piece of information is only available through a well-respected secondary source. When using küljaviideidel, it is important to clearly indicate that the citation is secondary, often by using phrases like "cited in" or "as quoted by." This transparency allows readers to understand the author's research process and to locate the original source if they choose to do so. Despite these exceptions, the ideal practice remains direct engagement with primary sources.