Introduction
In India’s multilingual academic landscape, many scholars conduct research in regional languages. But when it comes to publishing in reputed journals—especially those indexed by UGC-CARE or Scopus—English tends to dominate. This raises a pressing question for Indian researchers: can translated research papers from Indian languages be submitted to academic journals? The answer is nuanced and depends on several factors, including the type of journal, the quality of translation, and ethical transparency. This blog provides clarity on this topic for first-time and experienced researchers alike.
The Context of Regional Language Research in India
India has a long tradition of research in vernacular languages. Fields like literature, philosophy, social sciences, education, and regional history often see scholars writing in Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Bengali, Kannada, and other Indian languages. Many universities and regional journals support this practice.
However, for wider visibility and academic recognition, researchers increasingly aim for journals indexed by UGC-CARE, Scopus, or Web of Science. Most of these journals operate in English, making translation an important bridge for regional language research to reach a global audience.
Do Reputed Journals Accept Translated Papers?
Yes, many reputable journals do accept translated versions of research—provided certain conditions are met:
- The Original Work Was Not Published Elsewhere
If your original paper in a regional language was already published in a journal, you cannot submit the translated version to another journal unless it’s clearly stated as a translated and republished work with permissions.
- Proper Attribution and Declaration
Ethical transparency is key. Most journals require authors to disclose that the work is
a translation of an earlier version and may ask for proof of permission if it waspreviously published.
- High-Quality Translation
Journals will only consider translations that maintain academic rigor, clarity, and accurate rendering of concepts. Poor or literal translations can lead to rejection.
- Peer Review and Language Checks
Even for translations, the paper goes through peer review. If the language is not up to academic standards, it may be rejected, regardless of the merit of the original work.
UGC-CARE Journals and Language Guidelines
UGC-CARE includes journals published in several Indian languages, especially in humanities and regional studies. Some journals specifically accept Hindi, Sanskrit, Tamil,and other Indian language papers, often publishing bilingual abstracts or full articles.
However, for journals in the UGC-CARE List that operate in English, translated work is considered only if it has not been published earlier or if the original version was part of an institutional repository, not a journal.
Translating Thesis or Dissertations into Journal Articles
If your thesis was originally written in a regional language, converting chapters into English journal articles is a valid practice.
However, remember to:
- Rewrite the content to fit journal article format (introduction, methodology, findings, etc.)
- Acknowledge that it is derived from thesis work (if asked)
- Ensure proper paraphrasing and original contribution in English form
Ethical Concerns Around Translation
One of the biggest risks when translating a research paper is self-plagiarism—republishing the same content without proper disclosure.
To avoid this:
- Mention in your cover letter that the paper is a translated or adapted version
- Provide a note about the original work in a footnote or acknowledgment
- Seek written permissions if your original work was published in another journal
How to Prepare a Translated Paper for Journal Submission
- Choose the Right Journal
Look for journals that publish in English but are open to Indian research themes or interdisciplinary subjects. Some may even list language support in their author guidelines.
- Hire a Professional Translator or Editor
To maintain academic tone, flow, and clarity, it’s advisable to work with a professional who understands both languages as well as the field of research.
- Include Ethical Declarations
Always include a note about prior versions, especially if the work was part of a conference, thesis, or institutional publication.
- Use Plagiarism Checkers
After translation, the similarity score may increase if the translated version too closelymirrors other English sources. Use plagiarism detection tools to review and rewrite as needed.
Journals That Support Indigenous Knowledge and Regional Perspectives
Certain journals—particularly in the fields of education, sociology, anthropology, and cultural studies—are actively looking for research grounded in local context. Such journals may be more receptive to translated work from Indian languages, provided it adds value to global discourse.
Conclusion
Yes, journals do accept translated papers from Indian languages—but only when doneresponsibly. Translation is not just about language conversion; it’s about conveying original insights in a way that meets global academic standards. Indian researchers should view this as an opportunity to bring regional knowledge to the international stage, while respecting ethical boundaries and journal policies. If done right, translated research can contribute to both local relevance and global recognition.