Do I have to translate primary and secondary sources into English for a dissertation? I am writing a dissertation for my PhD in Romance Languages. I focus on Spanish literature and use primary sources all in Spanish and secondary sources in Spanish and English, but I am writing in English. Do I need to translate the Spanish quotes I use from my primary and secondary sources into English for my dissertation? I am using MLA style and I could not find a rule about this issue.
I wrote my dissertation about translation in Spanish, and I had to quote several non-Spanish speking authors (English, German, Catalan, French). I decided quoting in the original language and adding the translation in a footnote. When there was a published Spanish translation of the quote, I used it. But if not, I translate it myself.
However, it's a good idea to ask your supervisor if there is a style guide for this issues.