Understanding MLA Citation Style
MLA style is widely used in the humanities, particularly in literature, philosophy, and cultural studies. It emphasizes the importance of authorship and the date of publication, while also providing a straightforward method for citing various types of sources, including interviews. When you conduct an interview or use someone else's interview in your research, it is crucial to cite it correctly to avoid plagiarism and to allow readers to trace your sources.
Types of Interviews
Interviews can take various forms, and MLA citations may differ based on the type of interview you are referencing. Here are the main types:
- Personal interviews: Interviews conducted by you with individuals.
- Published interviews: Interviews that appear in books, articles, or online publications.
- Recorded interviews: Audio or video interviews that can be accessed through media platforms.
Each type requires a different approach to citation, which will be discussed in detail below.
In-Text Citations for Personal Interviews
When you conduct a personal interview, you will need to provide an in-text citation that acknowledges the source's contributions. In MLA format, the in-text citation for a personal interview typically includes the interviewee's last name and a reference to the type of interview.
Format for In-Text Citations
The format for in-text citations in MLA style for personal interviews is as follows:
- (Last Name)
For example, if you interviewed Jane Doe, your in-text citation would look like this:
- (Doe)
Example Usage
In your text, you might write:
According to Jane Doe, "the rapid advancements in technology have significantly impacted our daily lives" (Doe).
If you were to reference her again later in the paper, you would still use (Doe) for subsequent mentions.
Citing Published Interviews
Published interviews appear in various sources such as magazines, newspapers, or online platforms. When citing these interviews, you must include more details in your in-text citation and the Works Cited entry.
Format for In-Text Citations
For published interviews, the in-text citation includes the author's last name and the page number (if applicable). If the interview is from an online source without pagination, simply include the author's last name.
- (Last Name Page Number) or (Last Name)
Example Usage
If you were referencing an interview with a specific page number:
In an interview with John Smith, he noted, "Art plays a crucial role in societal development" (Smith 45).
If the interview had no page numbers, it would look like this:
Smith emphasizes that "art plays a crucial role in societal development" (Smith).
Works Cited Entries for Interviews
In addition to in-text citations, you must provide a full citation for interviews in your Works Cited page. The format differs based on whether the interview is personal or published.
Personal Interview Citation
The format for a personal interview citation is:
- Last Name, First Name. Type of Interview. Date of Interview.
For example:
- Doe, Jane. Personal interview. 15 Mar. 2023.
Published Interview Citation
The format for a published interview citation is:
- Last Name, First Name. "Title of Interview." Title of Source, Other Contributors, Date of Publication, URL (if applicable).
For example:
- Smith, John. "The Impact of Art on Society." Art Monthly, edited by Sarah Johnson, 10 Apr. 2023, www.artmonthly.com/interviews/smith.
Recorded Interviews and Online Sources
Recorded interviews, whether in audio or video format, also need proper citation. The process for citing them in MLA style is slightly different.
Format for In-Text Citations
For recorded or online interviews, you may follow the same format as published interviews:
- (Last Name)
If citing a specific time in the recording, you can also include the timestamp:
- (Last Name Time)
Example Usage
If you were referencing a video interview with a timestamp:
In the interview, John Smith states, "The influence of technology in the arts cannot be understated" (Smith 00:15:20).
Works Cited Entries for Recorded Interviews
The format for a recorded interview is:
- Last Name, First Name. "Title of Interview." Title of Platform, Date of Publication, URL.
For example:
- Smith, John. "The Influence of Technology in Art." YouTube, 15 Mar. 2023, www.youtube.com/watch?v=123456789.
Best Practices for Citing Interviews
When citing interviews in MLA format, there are several best practices to keep in mind:
- Be consistent: Ensure that your in-text citations and Works Cited entries follow the same format throughout your paper.
- Verify your sources: Make sure you have accurate information, including the correct spelling of names and titles.
- Include all necessary details: Provide full citations with all relevant information, such as dates and URLs when applicable.
- Use quotations wisely: Integrate quotes from interviews smoothly into your writing, providing context and analysis.
Conclusion
In conclusion, understanding how to perform in text citation MLA interview is critical for any researcher or writer incorporating interviews into their work. By following MLA guidelines for in-text citations and Works Cited entries, you can ensure that you properly credit your sources while also providing your readers with the necessary information to locate these sources. Whether you're citing personal interviews, published interviews, or recorded interviews, adhering to these guidelines will enhance the credibility and professionalism of your writing. With the right approach, your research can benefit immensely from the rich insights that interviews provide.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an in-text citation for an interview in MLA format?
In MLA format, an in-text citation for an interview typically includes the interviewee's last name and a page number if available, like this: (Smith). If there is no page number, just the last name is sufficient.
How do you format a personal interview citation in MLA style?
In MLA style, a personal interview citation is included in the Works Cited page as follows: Last Name, First Name. Interview. Date of Interview. For in-text citations, use the interviewee's last name.
Can you include the interviewer's name in an in-text citation?
In MLA format, it is standard to cite only the interviewee's name in the in-text citation. The interviewer's name is typically included in the Works Cited entry.
What if the interview is published, how should it be cited?
If the interview is published (e.g., in a magazine or online), you should cite it as a source in MLA format, including the author's name of the interview, the title of the interview, the publication, and the date. In-text citation would then follow the author's last name.
Is it necessary to include the date of the interview in the Works Cited entry?
Yes, in MLA format, you should include the date of the interview in the Works Cited entry to provide complete information about the source.
What is the difference between citing a personal interview and a published interview?
A personal interview is cited differently than a published interview; personal interviews are cited with the interviewee's name and date in the Works Cited. Published interviews include additional details such as the title, publication name, and date.
How do you handle interviews conducted over the phone or via video call in MLA citations?
For interviews conducted over the phone or via video call, you should still cite them as personal interviews, including the interviewee's name and the date. The medium (phone or video) does not need to be specified in the citation.
