Understanding MLA 9 Format
The Modern Language Association (MLA) provides a standardized format for writing and citing sources in research papers. The ninth edition, released in 2021, includes updated guidelines that reflect the evolving nature of research and digital media. While the MLA Handbook serves as the primary reference for this citation style, understanding the specific guidelines for interviews is essential for proper attribution.
The Importance of Citing Interviews
Citing interviews is important for several reasons:
1. Credibility: Proper citations lend credibility to your work by demonstrating that you have conducted thorough research and engaged with primary sources.
2. Academic Integrity: Citing sources helps you avoid plagiarism by giving credit to the original creators of the information you are using.
3. Resource for Readers: Citing interviews allows readers to follow your research trail, enabling them to explore the sources you consulted for further understanding.
Types of Interviews
Interviews can vary significantly in format and context. Understanding the different types of interviews can help you determine how to cite them correctly in MLA 9 format.
1. Personal Interviews
Personal interviews are direct conversations between the researcher and the interviewee. These can occur in person, over the phone, or via video conferencing platforms. Personal interviews are often used in qualitative research and can provide unique insights into a subject matter.
2. Published Interviews
Published interviews are those that appear in books, magazines, newspapers, or online platforms. These interviews are considered secondary sources, as they have been edited and presented by someone other than the original interviewer or interviewee.
3. Recorded Interviews
Recorded interviews may take the form of audio or video recordings. These can be utilized in research projects, but proper citation is essential to acknowledge the source accurately.
Citing Personal Interviews in MLA 9
When citing a personal interview in MLA 9 format, follow these general guidelines:
1. Format: The citation for a personal interview typically includes the interviewee’s name, the type of interview, and the date of the interview.
2. In-text Citation: In-text citations can be included in the body of your paper to refer to the information gathered from the interview.
General Format for Personal Interviews
The general format for citing a personal interview in the Works Cited page is as follows:
Last Name, First Name. Personal interview. Day Month Year.
Examples of Personal Interview Citations
- Works Cited Entry:
- Smith, John. Personal interview. 15 Mar. 2023.
- In-Text Citation:
- (Smith)
Citing Published Interviews in MLA 9
Citing published interviews can be slightly more complex, as it requires additional information about the source in which the interview appears.
General Format for Published Interviews
The general format for citing a published interview in the Works Cited page is as follows:
Last Name, First Name. “Title of Interview.” Title of Container, edited by Editor's Name (if applicable), Publisher, Date of Publication, URL (if applicable).
Examples of Published Interview Citations
- Works Cited Entry:
- Johnson, Emily. “A Conversation with Jane Doe.” The New Yorker, 20 Apr. 2023, www.newyorker.com/a-conversation-with-jane-doe.
- In-Text Citation:
- (Johnson)
Citing Recorded Interviews in MLA 9
Recorded interviews may require specific details about the format of the recording. This could include information such as the type of media (audio or video) and the platform where it can be found.
General Format for Recorded Interviews
The general format for citing a recorded interview in the Works Cited page is as follows:
Last Name, First Name. “Title of Interview.” Title of Container, directed/produced by Name, Date of Publication, URL (if applicable).
Examples of Recorded Interview Citations
- Works Cited Entry:
- Lee, Anna. “Voices of Change.” YouTube, directed by Mark Taylor, 5 June 2023, www.youtube.com/watch?v=example.
- In-Text Citation:
- (Lee)
Formatting In-Text Citations
In-text citations are crucial for attributing ideas and information to their original sources within the body of your writing. Here are some important aspects of formatting in-text citations in MLA 9:
1. Placement: Place the in-text citation at the end of the sentence that contains the borrowed information.
2. Punctuation: The in-text citation should be placed before the period at the end of the sentence.
3. Multiple Citations: If citing multiple sources from the same author, include a shortened version of the title to distinguish between them.
Examples of In-Text Citations
- For a personal interview:
- The insights gained from the discussion provided a deeper understanding of the topic (Smith).
- For a published interview:
- The unique perspective offered by the interviewee highlighted key issues in the field (Johnson).
Common Mistakes to Avoid in MLA 9 Interview Citations
When citing interviews in MLA 9, it's essential to avoid common mistakes that can undermine the quality of your work:
1. Omitting Key Information: Ensure you include all necessary elements in your citations, such as the interviewee's name, the title of the interview, and the publication details for published interviews.
2. Incorrect Formatting: Follow MLA 9 formatting guidelines carefully to avoid errors in punctuation, italics, and capitalization.
3. Failing to Include In-Text Citations: Always provide in-text citations for information derived from interviews to maintain academic integrity.
4. Neglecting to Check for Updates: Stay informed about any updates or changes to the MLA guidelines to ensure your citations remain compliant.
Conclusion
Mastering MLA 9 interview citation is an essential skill for any researcher or student engaged in academic writing. By understanding the differences between personal, published, and recorded interviews, and by adhering to the specific formatting guidelines provided by MLA, you can effectively credit your sources and enhance the credibility of your work. Remember to always double-check your citations for accuracy, and refer to the MLA Handbook for additional guidance and examples. Through diligent citation practices, you contribute to the integrity of academic discourse and the respectful acknowledgment of others' contributions to knowledge.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the MLA 9 citation format for an interview?
In MLA 9, the citation format for an interview typically includes the name of the person interviewed, the title of the interview (if applicable), the title of the website or publication, the date of the interview, and the URL if it's online. For example: Last Name, First Name. 'Title of Interview.' Title of Publication, Date, URL.
How do I cite a personal interview in MLA 9?
To cite a personal interview in MLA 9, list the interviewee's name, followed by 'Personal interview,' and then the date of the interview. For example: Last Name, First Name. Personal interview. Day Month Year.
Is it necessary to include the date of the interview in the citation?
Yes, including the date of the interview in your citation is essential in MLA 9 because it provides context and helps to establish the relevance and currency of the information.
How do I cite an interview from a book in MLA 9?
To cite an interview from a book in MLA 9, format it as follows: Last Name, First Name of the interviewee. 'Title of Interview.' Title of Book, edited by Editor's Name, Publisher, Year, pages. For example: Doe, Jane. 'Insights on Literature.' Conversations with Authors, edited by John Smith, Penguin, 2020, pp. 45-56.
Can I use an online video interview for my MLA 9 citation?
Yes, you can cite an online video interview in MLA 9. Include the interviewee's name, the title of the interview, the platform (like YouTube), the date it was posted, and the URL. For example: Last Name, First Name. 'Title of Interview.' YouTube, uploaded by Username, Day Month Year, URL.
What if the interviewee is not a well-known figure?
Even if the interviewee is not a well-known figure, you should still cite the interview in MLA 9 format. Provide their name and the relevant details as you would for a well-known figure, ensuring that you maintain academic integrity and clarity in your sources.
