The MLA Handbook, published by the Modern Language Association (MLA), serves as a comprehensive guide for writers, researchers, and students in the humanities.
As a writer, you already know that there are four widely used Style Guides. They are:
MLA Handbook (Modern Language Association)
In this article, we will learn about MLA Handbook (Modern Language Association). So, let's begin.
The MLA Handbook, published by the Modern Language Association (MLA), serves as a comprehensive guide for writers, researchers, and students in the humanities. It outlines standards for writing, documentation, and citation, enabling writers to evaluate and cite various types of sources effectively.
Here are key features of the ninth edition of the MLA Handbook, released in spring 2021:
1. Core Elements Template
The MLA approach centers on a core elements template that includes common facts about most sources, such as author, title, and publication date. This template allows writers to cite diverse works, ranging from books and e-books to journal articles, song lyrics, online images, social media posts, and dissertations.
2. Source Evaluation
MLA style emphasizes source evaluation as the foundation of citation. By alerting readers to the trustworthiness of their findings through proper citation, writers promote information and digital literacy.
3. New Chapters and Guidelines
Grammar and Punctuation:
The ninth edition introduces new chapters covering grammar, punctuation, capitalization, spelling, numbers, italics, abbreviations, and principles of inclusive language.
Research Paper Setup:
Updated advice on setting up research papers in MLA format, including guidance on headings, lists, and title pages for group projects.
Works Cited List:
Comprehensive, step-by-step instructions for creating a list of works cited in MLA format, now easier to learn and use.
Example Entries:
An appendix provides hundreds of example works-cited-list entries by publication format, encompassing websites, YouTube videos, interviews, and more.
4. In-Text Citations
The ninth edition offers revised explanations of in-text citations, including comprehensive advice on citing multiple authors of a single work.
You can visit the official website of MLA Handbook for more details and examples.
Purpose and Overview
The MLA Handbook assists writers in citing various types of works, from traditional print materials to digital sources like online articles, social media posts, and more.
It emphasizes the importance of evaluating sources and promotes essential skills in information literacy.
Key Features
The ninth edition of the MLA Handbook, released in 2021, builds on the MLA’s unique approach to documenting sources.
It uses a template of core elements—facts common to most sources, such as author, title, and publication date—to create citations.
Writers can cite any type of work, including:
Books
E-books
Journal articles from databases
Song lyrics
Online images
YouTube videos
Dissertations
Examples
Let’s see how the MLA format works for different types of sources:
Book:
Author: Rowling, J.K.
Title: Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone
Publisher: Scholastic, 1997
Online Article:
Author: Smith, John
Title: “Climate Change and Its Impact.”
Journal: Environmental Science Review
Volume: 42
Issue: 3
Publication Date: 2022
Page Range: 123-140.
URL: Read Article
Social Media Post:
Author: @ScienceGeek
Post: “Exciting breakthrough in quantum computing! #ScienceNews”
Platform: Twitter
Date: March 10, 2024
URL: View Tweet
Article in a Scholarly Journal:
Author: Lee, Emily
Title: “Exploring Literary Devices.”
Journal Title: Literary Studies Quarterly
Volume: 42
Issue: 3
Year: 2021
Page Range: 56-72
Article in an Online Newspaper:
Author: Patel, Maya
Title: “Climate Change and Urbanization.”
Newspaper Title: EcoWatch
Publication Date: 15 Mar. 2023
URL: Read Article
Article in a Scholarly Journal Found in a Database:
Author: Garcia, Luis
Title: “Postcolonial Perspectives on Literature.”
Journal Title: Postcolonial Studies
Volume: 18
Issue: 2
Year: 2022
Page Range: 89-104
Database: JSTOR
Accessing the MLA Handbook
The MLA Handbook is available in various formats:
Paperback
Hardcover
Spiral-bound
E-book
Additionally, students and instructors can explore the MLA Handbook Plus, a subscription-based digital resource that provides access to the ninth edition online. It includes citation examples, videos, and guides for mastering MLA style.
Remember, accurate citation ensures proper credit to original authors and strengthens the credibility of your work!
Learn more about: Top 4 English Style Guides, Importance of Style Guide, and Discover 9 Benefits of Using Style Guide.
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