The parenthetical "(alteration in original)" is necessary any time a quote contains an alteration that is from the cited source. This crucial notation signals to the reader that the quoted text has been modified from its original form in the source document.
Understanding Alterations in Quoted Material
An alteration refers to anything with a bracket within a quoted passage. This includes, but is not limited to, the following types of changes:
- Changes in Capitalization: Modifying the first letter of a word to fit the grammatical flow of your sentence, e.g., changing "the" to "[T]he".
- Adding Explanations or Context: Inserting words or phrases within brackets to clarify a pronoun, define an acronym, or provide necessary context that was implied in the original but needs to be explicit in your quote. For example, "They [the researchers] concluded..."
- Correcting Obvious Errors: Using
[sic]to indicate that an error (e.g., a misspelling or grammatical mistake) present in the original source has been quoted exactly as it appeared, e.g., "The principal reason was the whether[sic]." - Substituting Words: Replacing a word with a synonym in brackets to enhance clarity or flow, while preserving the original meaning.
Here’s a quick overview of how alterations fit into quoting practices:
| Type of Change | Indicator | Parenthetical | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alteration | Brackets (e.g., [T]he, [sic], [added text]) | (alteration in original) | To clarify, correct, or adapt a quote for context without changing its original meaning, while signaling the change to the reader. |
| Omission | Ellipses (...) | (omission in original) | To shorten a quote by removing non-essential words, phrases, or sentences that do not detract from the original meaning. |
Importance of Using "(Alteration in Original)"
Using "(alteration in original)" is a fundamental aspect of academic and professional integrity. It ensures:
- Transparency: Readers are immediately aware that a change has been made to the original text, preventing misattribution or misinterpretation.
- Accuracy: While changes are made, the notation confirms that these changes are documented and not an attempt to mislead.
- Credibility: Proper citation and notation practices enhance the credibility of your work, demonstrating meticulous attention to detail and respect for original sources.
Differentiating from Omissions
It's important to distinguish between alterations and omissions. While both involve modifying a quote from its original form, they serve different purposes and use different notations:
- Alterations involve adding or changing content within brackets.
- Omissions involve removing content, typically indicated by ellipses (...) and the parenthetical "(omission in original)".
Both notations are crucial for maintaining the fidelity of quoted material while allowing for necessary adaptations to fit the quoting context.
