Cite an interview MLA: A Comprehensive Guide
In the realm of academic writing, incorporating interviews into your research can provide valuable insights and perspectives. However, properly citing an interview in MLA format is crucial to maintain academic integrity and give credit to the original source. This article aims to provide a comprehensive guide on how to cite an interview in MLA format, ensuring that you adhere to the guidelines set forth by the Modern Language Association.
Understanding MLA Format
Before diving into the specifics of citing an interview in MLA format, it is essential to have a basic understanding of the MLA style. MLA format is a widely used citation style in the humanities and is characterized by its simplicity and readability. The MLA Handbook provides guidelines on formatting papers, in-text citations, and the Works Cited page.
Citing a Print Interview
When citing a print interview, it is important to include the following elements: the interviewee’s name, the interviewer’s name, the title of the interview, the title of the publication, the volume and issue number (if applicable), the date of publication, and the page numbers of the interview. Here is an example:
Smith, John, and Jane Doe. “Title of Interview.” Title of Publication, vol. 12, no. 3, 2020, pp. 45-50.
Citing an Online Interview
Citing an online interview requires similar elements to a print interview, with a few additional considerations. When citing an online interview, include the interviewee’s name, the interviewer’s name, the title of the interview, the title of the website, the URL, and the access date. Here is an example:
Johnson, Emily, and Michael Brown. “Title of Interview.” Title of Website, 2020, www.example.com. Accessed 10 Jan. 2021.
Citing an Interview in a Works Cited Entry
When including an interview in your Works Cited page, it is important to follow the same format as you would for a print or online interview. Ensure that you include all the necessary elements and format the entry correctly. Here is an example:
Smith, John, and Jane Doe. “Title of Interview.” Title of Publication, vol. 12, no. 3, 2020, pp. 45-50.
Citing an Interview in the Text
When citing an interview in the text, use the interviewee’s last name followed by a comma and the page number. If the interviewee’s name is mentioned in the sentence, you do not need to include it in the in-text citation. Here are a few examples:
According to Smith, “The key to success lies in hard work and perseverance” (45).
Jane Doe suggests that “technology has revolutionized the way we communicate” (50).
Conclusion
Citing an interview in MLA format is an essential aspect of academic writing. By following the guidelines provided in this article, you can ensure that you accurately and ethically credit the original source of your research. Remember to pay attention to the specific format requirements for print and online interviews, and always double-check your citations to maintain the integrity of your work.
