tsitaatide

Tsitaatide (Estonian for quotations) are passages taken from another person’s speech or a written source and presented either verbatim or in summarized form. They are used to convey exact wording, illustrate a point, or document what someone has said. A quotation can be direct (verbatim) or indirect (paraphrased). Direct quotes reproduce the original wording exactly, including punctuation, while indirect quotes render the idea without fixing the original phrasing.

Origins and usage: The concept of quoting exists in most languages, and tsitaatide are a standard element of Estonian writing. In published work, quotes are marked with quotation marks or other language-appropriate devices and are accompanied by a citation. Longer passages may be set as block quotes, depending on the style guide, with less emphasis on enclosing quotation marks.

Documentation and ethics: Accurate reproduction and clear attribution are essential. Quotation adds credibility when sources are properly cited, and it helps readers verify the material. Common citation practices include noting the source and location (page, chapter, timestamp) and following established style guides such as APA, MLA, or Chicago.

Types and typography: Short quotes integrate into the surrounding text; longer quotes are presented as block quotes. Estonian typography often uses language-appropriate quotation marks and punctuation; however, practices vary by publisher and region. In all cases, tsitaatide should be clearly distinguished from the surrounding text to maintain readability and avoid misquotation.

See also: quotation, quotation marks, citation, paraphrase, attribution.