Navigating the intricacies of Turabian style can feel like deciphering a secret code, especially when it comes to formatting publication titles. But fear not! This guide will demystify the process, providing you with clear, concise instructions and examples to help you master Turabian's rules for citing publication titles correctly. Whether you're working on a book, article, or website, this guide will ensure your citations are accurate and consistent.
What are the Basic Rules for Formatting Titles in Turabian?
Turabian style, a widely used citation style predominantly in the humanities, follows specific rules for formatting titles. The core principle distinguishes between titles of larger works (like books or journals) and titles of smaller works contained within (like chapters or articles).
- Larger Works (Books, Journals, Websites): These titles are italicized.
- Smaller Works (Articles, Chapters, Web Pages): These titles are enclosed in quotation marks.
This seemingly simple distinction forms the bedrock of accurate Turabian citation. Let's delve into more specific examples.
How Do I Cite Book Titles in Turabian?
Book titles are always italicized in Turabian style. For example:
- The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien
- Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind by Yuval Noah Harari
- The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald
Note that only the main title is italicized; subtitles are not italicized separately but are part of the italicized title. For instance, the correct citation for a book with a subtitle would be: The Oxford Handbook of English Literature: From Beowulf to the Present.
How Do I Cite Journal Article Titles in Turabian?
Journal article titles, being smaller works within the larger work of a journal, are enclosed in quotation marks. The journal itself, however, is italicized. A typical citation might look like this:
"The Impact of Social Media on Political Polarization," Journal of Communication, vol. 70, no. 3 (2020), pp. 455-478.
Here, "The Impact of Social Media on Political Polarization" is in quotes, while Journal of Communication is italicized.
What About Titles of Chapters or Articles Within a Book?
Similar to journal articles, chapter or article titles within a larger edited volume or book are also enclosed in quotation marks. For example:
"The Rise of the Novel," in The Cambridge History of the Novel, edited by Peter Garber, 125-150 (Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2013).
Here, "The Rise of the Novel" is enclosed in quotation marks.
How to Cite Website Titles in Turabian?
Website titles follow the rule for larger works, meaning they should be italicized. However, remember to always include the date you accessed the website as Turabian requires it.
- The New York Times. Accessed April 10, 2024.
Note the absence of quotation marks; the entire website title is italicized.
What About Titles in Different Languages?
Turabian generally maintains the same italicization and quotation rules regardless of the language of the title. However, it's important to ensure that the title is presented correctly in its original language and any transliteration or translation provided is accurate and clear to the reader.
What if the Title Contains a Subtitle?
As mentioned previously, subtitles are part of the main title and share the same formatting. If it's a larger work (book, journal, website), the entire title (main title and subtitle) is italicized. If it's a smaller work (article, chapter), the entire title is enclosed in quotation marks. For example:
Larger Work: A History of Western Civilization: From Antiquity to the Present Day
Smaller Work: "The Effects of Climate Change on Coastal Communities: A Case Study of Bangladesh"
This comprehensive guide should provide you with a solid understanding of how to handle publication titles in Turabian style. Remember, accuracy and consistency are key to effective academic writing. By following these guidelines, you can confidently cite your sources and maintain the integrity of your work.
