Cite An Interview In MLA Format: The Ultimate Guide

Aug 18, 2025 by Lucas 52 views

How to Cite an Interview in MLA Format: A Comprehensive Guide

Crafting a well-researched paper often involves incorporating diverse sources, and interviews can be a goldmine of firsthand information and unique perspectives. Guys, if you've ever found yourself wondering how to properly cite an interview in MLA format, you're in the right place! Citing interviews correctly not only gives credit where it's due but also adds credibility to your work. This guide will walk you through the process, covering both published and unpublished interviews, ensuring your citations are accurate and your research is top-notch. We'll break down the nuances of MLA 9th edition, making the citation process a breeze.

Understanding the Basics of MLA Citation

Before we dive into the specifics of citing interviews, let's quickly recap the fundamentals of MLA (Modern Language Association) citation style. MLA format is widely used in the humanities, such as literature, languages, and cultural studies. It's designed to provide a clear and consistent method for acknowledging sources. The two main components of MLA citation are in-text citations and the Works Cited list. In-text citations are brief references within your text that point the reader to the full citation in the Works Cited list. The Works Cited list, on the other hand, is a comprehensive list of all the sources you've used in your paper, presented at the end of your document.

The MLA 9th edition, the most current version, emphasizes clarity and simplicity. It focuses on what information is available and encourages researchers to adapt the citation format to fit the specific source type. This means that while there are general guidelines, you might need to adjust the format slightly depending on whether the interview is published, unpublished, conducted by you, or found online. Remember, the goal is always to provide enough information for your reader to locate the source themselves. So, let's get into the nitty-gritty of citing interviews!

Citing Published Interviews in MLA

When it comes to citing published interviews in MLA format, you'll generally be dealing with interviews that have appeared in print (like in a book or journal) or have been broadcast (on TV, radio, or a podcast). These types of interviews have a formal publication process, which means you'll have more information to work with when creating your citation. The basic format for citing a published interview in the Works Cited list includes the interviewee's name, the title of the interview (if any), the name of the interviewer (if different from the author of the work), the title of the publication, and publication details such as the date, and page numbers or URL. Think of it like piecing together a puzzle – each element contributes to a complete and accurate citation. Let's break down a couple of scenarios.

Interview Published in a Book

If you're citing an interview that appears in a book, the MLA format will closely resemble that of citing a chapter or essay in an edited collection. The interviewee is treated as the author of the specific part you're citing, and the book's editor is included in the citation. For instance, imagine you're using an interview with the legendary Toni Morrison from a collection of interviews. Your citation might look something like this: Morrison, Toni. “Conversation with Toni Morrison.” Conversations with Henry Louis Gates, Jr., edited by Henry Louis Gates, Jr., Alfred A. Knopf, 1994, pp. 185-217. Notice how the interviewee's name comes first, followed by the title of the interview (if there is one), and then the details of the book itself. This structure ensures clarity and allows readers to easily locate the source.

The in-text citation for this type of source would typically include the interviewee's last name and the page number where the cited material appears. For example: (Morrison 190). This concise reference within your text links directly to the full citation in your Works Cited list. It's a simple but effective way to maintain academic integrity and give credit where it's due. Remember, the key to successful citation is consistency – sticking to the MLA guidelines throughout your paper.

Interview Published Online or in a Journal

Citing interviews published online or in journals follows a similar structure but includes details specific to the online or journal format. If the interview was published in a journal, you'll need to include the journal title, volume number, issue number (if applicable), year of publication, and page range. For online interviews, you'll include the website name and the URL. For example, consider an interview with a prominent researcher published in an academic journal. The Works Cited entry might look like this: Smith, Jane. “The Future of Artificial Intelligence.” Interview by John Doe. Journal of Artificial Intelligence, vol. 25, no. 2, 2023, pp. 45-60. In this case, you're providing all the necessary information for your reader to find the interview in the journal.

For an online interview, the citation would include the name of the website where the interview is hosted and the URL. For example: Doe, John. “A Conversation with a Climate Activist.” Interview by Jane Smith. EcoWatch, 15 Mar. 2023, www.ecowatch.com/climate-activist-interview. The inclusion of the URL is crucial for online sources, as it provides a direct link to the interview. The in-text citation for both journal and online interviews would follow the same format as with books – the interviewee's last name and the page number (if available) or a timestamp for audio/video interviews.

Citing Unpublished Interviews in MLA

Now, let's tackle the slightly trickier terrain of citing unpublished interviews. These are interviews that haven't been formally published, such as personal interviews you've conducted yourself or interviews found in archives. Because these sources aren't readily available to the public, your citation needs to provide as much detail as possible to help your reader understand the context and authenticity of the interview. The key elements to include are the name of the interviewee, the title or description of the interview (if applicable), the date of the interview, and the method of the interview (e.g., personal interview, phone interview, email interview). Think of it as creating a mini-record for your reader.

Personal Interviews Conducted by You

If you've conducted the interview yourself, you'll need to clearly state that in your citation. The format for a personal interview in the Works Cited list is straightforward: Interviewee's Last Name, First Name. Interview. Date of Interview. So, if you interviewed a professor for your research paper, the citation might look like this: Johnson, Emily. Interview. 12 May 2023. This simple format provides the essential information: who was interviewed and when. The in-text citation would simply include the interviewee's last name: (Johnson).

When citing specific information from the interview in your text, you'll need to integrate the quote or paraphrased material smoothly. For example: According to Emily Johnson, the current research trends are shifting towards interdisciplinary approaches (Johnson). This method ensures that your reader understands the source of your information and can easily find the corresponding entry in your Works Cited list. Remember, transparency is key in academic writing, especially when dealing with unpublished sources.

Interviews Found in Archives

Citing interviews from archives requires a bit more detail, as you'll need to specify the archive's name and any relevant collection or finding aid information. This helps readers locate the interview within the archive's holdings. The format generally includes the interviewee's name, the title or description of the interview, the date of the interview, and the name of the archive. For example: Smith, John. Interview with Jane Doe. 15 June 1985. Oral History Collection, University Archives, University of California, Berkeley. In this case, you're providing a clear path for your reader to find the interview within the specific archive.

The in-text citation for an archived interview would follow the same pattern as other sources – the interviewee's last name. However, if the interviewee's name is mentioned in the sentence, you don't need to repeat it in the parenthetical citation. For instance: In a 1985 interview, John Smith discussed his experiences during the war (Oral History Collection). This approach ensures your writing flows naturally while still maintaining proper citation practices. Citing archived interviews adds a layer of depth and historical context to your research, but it's crucial to do it accurately.

Key Elements of an MLA Interview Citation

To recap, citing interviews in MLA format involves several key elements that need to be included in your Works Cited entry. These elements ensure that your citation is complete and accurate, allowing your readers to easily find the source you've used. Here’s a breakdown of the main components:

Interviewee's Name: Start with the last name, followed by the first name. This is the person who was interviewed.
Title of the Interview (if applicable): If the interview has a specific title, include it in quotation marks.
Interviewer's Name: If the interviewer is different from the author of the work, include their name after “Interview by.”
Title of the Publication: If the interview was published in a book, journal, or website, include the title in italics (for books and journals) or in quotation marks (for websites).
Publication Information: This includes the volume and issue number (for journals), the date of publication, the page range (if applicable), and the URL (for online sources).
Date of the Interview: For unpublished interviews, include the date when the interview took place.
Method of the Interview: For unpublished interviews, specify the method (e.g., personal interview, phone interview, email interview).
Archive Information: If the interview is from an archive, include the name of the archive and any relevant collection information.

Ensuring that you have all these elements in your citation will not only adhere to MLA guidelines but also enhance the credibility of your research. Remember, accurate citations are a cornerstone of academic integrity.

Formatting the Works Cited Entry

The Works Cited list is a crucial component of your MLA paper, and formatting it correctly is essential. The Works Cited list appears at the end of your paper on a separate page. Each entry should be alphabetized by the author's last name (or the interviewee's last name for interviews). The entire list should be double-spaced, and each entry should have a hanging indent. This means that the first line of each entry is flush with the left margin, and subsequent lines are indented half an inch.

The hanging indent makes it easy for readers to quickly scan the list and find the source they're looking for. Within each entry, pay close attention to punctuation. Use commas, periods, and quotation marks as specified by MLA guidelines. For example, titles of books and journals are italicized, while titles of articles, essays, and interviews are enclosed in quotation marks. Consistency in formatting is key – it demonstrates your attention to detail and your commitment to academic standards.

In-Text Citations for Interviews

In-text citations are brief references within your paper that correspond to the full citations in your Works Cited list. For interviews, the in-text citation typically includes the interviewee's last name. If you're quoting directly from the interview, you'll also need to include the page number (if available) or a timestamp (for audio/video interviews). The in-text citation should be placed in parentheses at the end of the sentence where the cited material appears. For example: (Smith 25) or (Johnson, 00:15:20).

If you mention the interviewee's name in your sentence, you don't need to repeat it in the parenthetical citation. Instead, you can simply include the page number or timestamp. For instance: According to John Smith, the research findings are significant (25). This approach keeps your writing clear and concise while still providing proper attribution. Remember, the goal of in-text citations is to guide your reader to the full citation in the Works Cited list, allowing them to easily verify your sources.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Citing interviews can sometimes be tricky, and it's easy to make mistakes if you're not careful. Here are some common errors to watch out for:

Missing Information: Make sure you include all the necessary elements in your citation, such as the interviewee's name, the title of the interview (if applicable), the interviewer's name (if different from the author), the publication information, and the date of the interview.
Incorrect Formatting: Pay attention to the specific formatting guidelines for MLA 9th edition, including the use of italics, quotation marks, commas, and periods. Consistency is key.
Inconsistent In-Text Citations: Ensure that your in-text citations match the entries in your Works Cited list. The interviewee's last name should be consistent between the two.
Failure to Cite Unpublished Interviews: Don't forget to cite personal interviews or interviews found in archives. These sources are just as important as published sources and require proper attribution.
Using Outdated MLA Editions: Make sure you're using the most current edition of the MLA Handbook (9th edition). Citation guidelines can change over time, so it's essential to stay up-to-date.

By being aware of these common mistakes, you can avoid them and ensure that your citations are accurate and complete. This will enhance the credibility of your work and demonstrate your commitment to academic integrity.

Examples of Interview Citations in MLA Format

To further illustrate how to cite interviews in MLA format, let's look at some specific examples. These examples cover a range of scenarios, including published interviews in books and journals, online interviews, and unpublished personal interviews. By examining these examples, you'll gain a clearer understanding of the practical application of MLA citation guidelines.

Published Interview in a Book:

Morrison, Toni. “Conversation with Toni Morrison.” Conversations with Henry Louis Gates, Jr., edited by Henry Louis Gates, Jr., Alfred A. Knopf, 1994, pp. 185-217.

Published Interview in a Journal:

Smith, Jane. “The Future of Artificial Intelligence.” Interview by John Doe. Journal of Artificial Intelligence, vol. 25, no. 2, 2023, pp. 45-60.

Online Interview:

Doe, John. “A Conversation with a Climate Activist.” Interview by Jane Smith. EcoWatch, 15 Mar. 2023, www.ecowatch.com/climate-activist-interview.

Personal Interview:

Johnson, Emily. Interview. 12 May 2023.

Archived Interview:

Smith, John. Interview with Jane Doe. 15 June 1985. Oral History Collection, University Archives, University of California, Berkeley.

These examples demonstrate the versatility of MLA citation style and how it can be adapted to different types of interviews. Use them as a reference when creating your own citations, and remember to always double-check your work to ensure accuracy.

Conclusion

So, guys, citing interviews in MLA format might seem a bit daunting at first, but with a clear understanding of the guidelines and a bit of practice, you'll master it in no time! Remember, the key is to provide accurate and complete information about your sources, allowing your readers to easily locate and verify them. Whether you're citing published interviews in books or journals, online interviews, or unpublished personal interviews, the principles remain the same: clarity, consistency, and attention to detail. By following the guidelines outlined in this guide, you'll not only enhance the credibility of your research but also demonstrate your commitment to academic integrity. Now, go forth and cite those interviews like a pro!