The Owl at Purdue is a renowned online resource provided by the Purdue University Online Writing Lab, offering comprehensive guidance on various citation styles, including MLA (Modern Language Association) format. The MLA citation style is widely used in the humanities, such as literature, language, and cultural studies. Understanding how to properly cite sources in MLA format is essential for academic integrity and for giving credit to the original authors of ideas, research, and writings.
Introduction to MLA Citation Style
The MLA citation style has undergone several updates, with the 8th edition being the most current. This edition provides a universal set of guidelines for citing sources across different types of media, from print books and articles to digital sources and social media. The core elements of an MLA citation include the author, title of source, title of container, version, number, publisher, publication date, and location. Not all sources will have all these elements, but the MLA style recommends listing as many as are relevant and available.
MLA In-Text Citations
In-text citations in MLA are used to acknowledge the source of a quote, paraphrase, or summary. They are placed within the text and usually consist of the author’s last name and the page number(s) where the information can be found. For example, (Smith 24) would indicate that the information is from page 24 of a source written by Smith. If the author’s name is mentioned in the sentence, only the page number is included in the parenthetical citation, as in Smith argues (24). For sources without authors, the title is used in the in-text citation, shortened if it is longer than a few words.
MLA Works Cited Page
A Works Cited page is where full citations for all sources used in the research paper are listed. Each entry is formatted according to the type of source it is (book, journal article, website, etc.). Here is a breakdown of how to format some common sources:
| Source Type | Citation Format |
|---|---|
| Book | Lastname, Firstname. Title of Book. Publisher, Year of Publication. |
| Journal Article | Lastname, Firstname. "Title of Article." Title of Journal, vol. Volume, no. Issue, Year of Publication, pp. Page Numbers. |
| Website | Lastname, Firstname. "Title of Page." Title of Website, Day Month Year of Publication, URL. Accessed Day Month Year. |
Benefits of Using MLA Citation Style
The MLA citation style offers several benefits, including clarity, consistency, and academic integrity. By using a standardized format for citing sources, writers can ensure that their work is understandable and accessible to readers. Moreover, MLA citations provide a clear path for readers to find the original sources, promoting further research and learning.
Common Challenges with MLA Citations
One of the common challenges with MLA citations is keeping up with the updates to the style guide. The transition from the 7th to the 8th edition, for example, introduced significant changes in how sources are cited, with a greater emphasis on flexibility and the inclusion of more digital sources. Additionally, correctly formatting citations for less common sources, such as social media posts or interviews, can be confusing without proper guidance.
Tools and Resources for MLA Citations
There are numerous tools and resources available to help with MLA citations, including citation generators, style guides, and online tutorials. The Purdue Online Writing Lab (OWL) is one of the most trusted resources, offering detailed explanations, examples, and quizzes to help users master the MLA citation style. Citation management tools like MLA Citation Generator or EasyBib can also simplify the process of creating citations and formatting a Works Cited page.
What is the primary purpose of using MLA citations in academic writing?
+The primary purpose of using MLA citations is to give credit to the original authors of ideas, research, and writings, and to provide a standardized way of citing sources that adds clarity and credibility to academic work.
How often are MLA citation guidelines updated?
+MLA citation guidelines are updated periodically, with new editions of the MLA Handbook being published to reflect changes in scholarly publishing, technological advancements, and shifts in academic practices.
What resources are available for learning MLA citation style?
+There are several resources available, including the Purdue Online Writing Lab (OWL), the official MLA Handbook, online citation generators, and academic writing guides.
