How to Cite an Interview in MLA Format
Citing an interview in MLA format is an essential skill for students and researchers, as it helps to give proper credit to the interviewee and to ensure that the information used is accurately referenced. The Modern Language Association (MLA) provides guidelines for citing interviews in both print and digital formats. This article will outline the steps to correctly cite an interview in MLA format.
General Guidelines for Citing Interviews
When citing an interview in MLA format, it is important to include the following elements:
1. The interviewee’s name.
2. The interviewee’s title or position (if applicable).
3. The interviewee’s institutional affiliation (if applicable).
4. The name of the interviewer (if known).
5. The title of the interview (if applicable).
6. The date of the interview.
7. The medium of the interview (e.g., print, audio, video).
8. The source or location of the interview (e.g., website, publication).
Citing a Print Interview
To cite a print interview in MLA format, follow these steps:
1. Begin with the interviewee’s name.
2. Include the interviewee’s title or position (if applicable).
3. Place a comma after the interviewee’s name.
4. Write “Interview by” followed by the interviewer’s name (if known).
5. Place a comma after the interviewer’s name.
6. Include the title of the interview (if applicable) in quotation marks.
7. Place a comma after the title.
8. Write the date of the interview.
9. Place a period after the date.
10. Write the title of the publication in italics.
11. Place a comma after the publication title.
12. Include the volume and issue number (if applicable).
13. Place a comma after the volume and issue number.
14. Write the page numbers of the interview.
15. Place a period at the end of the citation.
Example:
Smith, John. “A Conversation with John Smith.” Interview by Jane Doe. The Journal of English Studies, vol. 10, no. 2, 2020, pp. 45-52.
Citing a Digital Interview
To cite a digital interview in MLA format, follow these steps:
1. Begin with the interviewee’s name.
2. Include the interviewee’s title or position (if applicable).
3. Place a comma after the interviewee’s name.
4. Write “Interview by” followed by the interviewer’s name (if known).
5. Place a comma after the interviewer’s name.
6. Include the title of the interview (if applicable) in quotation marks.
7. Place a comma after the title.
8. Write the date of the interview.
9. Place a period after the date.
10. Include the website or platform where the interview is located.
11. Place a comma after the website or platform.
12. Write the URL of the interview.
13. Place a period at the end of the citation.
Example:
Smith, John. “A Conversation with John Smith.” Interview by Jane Doe. The Journal of English Studies, 20 Dec. 2020, www.joe.org/2020/december/smith.html.
Conclusion
Citing an interview in MLA format is crucial for academic integrity and to provide proper credit to the interviewee. By following the guidelines outlined in this article, students and researchers can ensure that their citations are accurate and consistent with MLA style.
