Learn English – Yoga terms in English and the capitalization thereof

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I'm editing a manuscript in English that contains numerous yoga terms for poses, concepts etc. These are generally derived from Sanskrit, if not actual Sanskrit transliterations. My publisher requires Chicago Style, however a search yields nothing helpful with regard to capitalization of these terms. For instance, is the word yoga itself to be capitalized? In some instances but not all? What about yoga/yoga concepts, like Dharana? Capitalized? Always? I'm in a pickle.

Best Answer

You mention that your publisher requires Chicago Style citations. The Chicago Manual of Style, Chapter 7: Italics and Capitalization of Foreign Words (see sections 7.49 through 7.51 specifically) gives some guidance. There are also several existing questions here and particularly here that are related, and may help.

Italicizing seems standard practice. However, capitalizing and italicizing every yoga-related term will be awkward. Based on my own quick review of this site, and what I could view without a full subscription to the Chicago Manual of Style, plus my own experience with biological taxonomy terms, I would do this:

  • Italicize all Sanskrit words that are yoga related and have not passed into common English usage.
  • Italicize AND capitalize Sanskrit yoga concepts, to delineate the difference and significance from poses.
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