Mastering MLA Format- A Comprehensive Guide to Citing Interviews in Academic Writing

MLA citing an interview is an essential aspect of academic writing, especially when researchers rely on primary sources to support their arguments. Interviews provide valuable insights into the perspectives and experiences of individuals, making them a crucial component of qualitative research. However, properly citing an interview in MLA format can be challenging, as it requires adhering to specific guidelines to ensure accuracy and credibility. This article aims to provide a comprehensive guide on how to MLA cite an interview effectively.

When citing an interview in MLA format, it is crucial to include the author’s name, the interviewee’s name, the title of the interview, the publication date, and the interview medium. The basic structure of an MLA citation for an interview is as follows:

Author’s Last Name, First Name. “Interview Title.” Publication Title, Publication Date, Interview Medium. Interview by Interviewer’s Name.

For example, if you were to cite an interview with a renowned author, your citation would look like this:

Smith, John. “Interview with John Smith.” The New York Times, January 1, 2020, Interview. Conducted by Jane Doe.

It is important to note that if the interview is not published in a journal, magazine, or newspaper, you can omit the publication title and date. In such cases, the citation would be structured as follows:

Author’s Last Name, First Name. “Interview Title.” Interview by Interviewer’s Name, Interview Date.

For instance:

Johnson, Emily. “Interview with Emily Johnson.” Interview by Mark Brown, March 15, 2020.

When citing a specific quote from the interview, you must include the page number (if available) and the author’s name in parentheses. The in-text citation would look like this:

(Smith 15)

Finally, it is essential to maintain consistency in your MLA citation format. If the interviewee’s name is not known, you can use “Interviewee” or a placeholder name. Additionally, ensure that you use proper punctuation and capitalization throughout your citation.

In conclusion, MLA citing an interview is a critical skill for researchers and writers. By following the guidelines outlined in this article, you can effectively cite interviews in MLA format, ensuring the credibility and accuracy of your work.