Ethics aside, I have come across an article written in Chinese with English abstract. I wanted very much to understand its content but unable to do so. Google translate was in a mess. I really appreciate if the author could republish it in a language medium widely understood. The primary purpose of publication is to share.

On the other hand, I have known many among my circle, who preferred to write and publish in the mother tongue, due to poor English command. Even those of us with some English command had to pass the language hassle imposed by Journal Editors. In the end, we end up with the situation above.

The ethical point perhaps lies in seeking credit. If both version has impact factors then only one version should be cited. What if both version has citation???

Whatever the ethical issue, as an end user, I hope this practice should not be totally discouraged.

There is a distinction between original research article and review article. I totally agree that language barrier is a very common hurdle we face when English is not the mother tongue. I even have reviewer criticize my poor English after two of my American born coauthor, both full professors with numerous high impact publications, have diligently revised my manuscript. Our explanation is my non-American name made is to be blamed. I have asked several times to translate my English review articles into other languages which I believe there is no ethical concern. However, if the same research artcile published in more than one language will become an issue since most reputable journals will have the policy that the same paper should not be published in other journal(s). But, I did see the same article published in two main Pediatric Journals. In this electronic era we can contact the author for detail instead of hoping the author to publish an English version so that others can read. This is especially true when a randomized study in included for meta-analysis with same results published more than once can bias the final interpretation.

I think we should differentiate at least two situations. FIrst: the paper is published in a local language, in a scientific journal which is not Pubmed-indexed and therefore is supposed not to reach the widest scientific audience. Then its accepted in a reputable journal, Pubmed-indexed and with an established Impact Factor. In this case, I think that what was done is acceptable, especially if the text was even only slightly changed.

Second: the paper is published twice, with minimal (if any) diffferences a part from the translation, in two Pubmed-indexed journal. This is paper duplication, forbidden by most journals, and the second paper should be retreated with shame on the authors.

I agree with what Matteo Chiappedi said

Ali AlHamzawi AlQadisia University/ College of Medicine

Even I agree with Matteo Chiappedi. Its not good practice to just add publications to the list.

I don't think it has anything to do with 'adding publications to the list', but rather disseminating knowledge to those whose first language may not be English. If anyone attempts to portray themselves as an accomplished researcher by publishing several papers in more than one language, for the sake of recognition, they will eventually be caught out.

Things are simple. You publish in the first journal your paper is accepted. Subsequently you may publish in as many other journal and languages you wish with the obligation to declare repetition. The first one counts as original and therefore citation. The rest is for the dissemination of research which is supposed to be desirable.

It is foremost important to share the knowledge. If one publishes only in mother language it could not be possible to share.

When a paper is published in a local language, it is a journal property and if this paper will be published in another journal its necessary previous authorization of the journal where the paper was published and authorization of all the authors .

Whilst you may want to publish an article in the local language the authors should have some insight into the wider relevance to the international audience. If the paper is of sufficient weight and the study methodology and write up sufficiently robust then I would always suggest aiming first for the international journal with the highest impact. This will ensure the widest possible dissemination of the research. Permissions can then be sought from the main journal for republication in part or translations with permissions should this be necessary to reach a local audience although translations may be available. Local dissemination can be accomplished through press releases referencing the main article. it is not acceptable to publish the same paper without necessary copyright consents. Sometimes another aspect of the study can be published under a second title in a separate journal but should not be a rephrased version of the original. If the content is relevant the associated information in the second paper could be offered to the original journal as a second paper.

I believe that english version of an article should be publshed in a secondary journal not in a primary journal. Course, the authors may publish another paper in english, if they find new points about that same issue.

In my opinion the authors should carefully read the "Instructions to authors". If a paper is already published or considered for publication in another journal , and a journal strictly points out that this is not acceptable, then it is not ethical to submit such a paper to this journal.

in my view it is nothing to do with the ethics,rather providing knowledge to those whose language is not English. .this is not considered as duplication of the paper as it is only the translation of the original work with the due permission of the author.

Pratap, you are right to some extent. There is ethical issue in a secondary publication in another language of one and the same paper. You said it yourself. The ethics is behind the "due permission of the original author".

Hi all,

I think republication in another language is a fair way to disseminate research results and provide knowledge to those whose language is not English. The main idea is to share knowledge and the translation and republication is an effective way to reach this goal with permission of both journals.

Yes, republication is very useful for dissemination of knowledge. However, permission from the journal where the paper is already published is mandatory. Otherwise, it is unfair.

I agree with Baber Usman

If it's published by the name of the primary author, with mention the name of the translator, and the permission of the author, I think it's acceptable.

If any of the above conditions is missed the publication is illegal.

I agree with Panayot Tanchev

Dr. Panayot Tanchev is right again...

which journals to accept for republishing the secondary languague? please list

agreed with most. Knowledge should be spread in a different language.

I think journals or websites re-publishing in english should be created. The aim is not to increase the number of publications but to spread the knowledge. Publishing a good paper and seeing that only a few people have read is sad. I am personal concern with this situation.

I think English translation of interesting papers should be the norm. The purpose of research is to spread knowledge in it's most available form possible.

• The republication of articles in foreign language journals is quite common.
• This is only acceptable if the authors make this very clear to the journals involved and clearly reference the first publication.
• The editor should contact the authors’ institution and request an investigation, and inform the authors of his intention to do so.
• Both journals should publish a notice of duplicate publication, preferably at the same time. - The length of the ban should be reconsidered.

https://publicationethics.org/case/duplicate-publication-foreign-language

In general, this is considered as self-plagiarism by the journals.

If this is done in good faith for the purpose of Better dissemination and helping some researchers, no ethical problems or cliches. I think it must be considered as highly ethical and necessary to publish in mother language plus an other widely understood language. Talking about ethics here is just a way to impose certain languages and slowly suffocating others.