Proper Names

Q. I know that we should follow the spelling of names of organizations, even when the spelling isn’t Chicago style (e.g., United Nations Development Programme). But what about when translating non-English-named institutions? For example, the French institution CNRS translates itself as “National Centre for Scientific Research.” Would you use “Centre” or “Center”?

A. You can write “Center.” The translated name isn’t the official corporate name, so you are free to apply your own regional spelling preferences.