Mastering MLA Citation- The Ultimate Guide to Citing Personal Interviews

MLA citation of a personal interview is an essential aspect of academic writing, as it allows readers to locate and verify the source of the information provided. This citation style is particularly important when citing interviews conducted with individuals who are not widely published or whose work is not easily accessible. In this article, we will discuss the guidelines for MLA citation of a personal interview and provide examples to illustrate the process.

Personal interviews are a valuable source of information in academic research, as they offer insights into the perspectives and experiences of individuals. However, these interviews are often not documented in written form, making it challenging to cite them in academic papers. The MLA citation format provides a standardized way to acknowledge and reference personal interviews in your work.

To cite a personal interview in MLA format, follow these guidelines:

1. Include the interviewee’s name in the text or in parentheses, followed by the phrase “interviewed by [your name]” or “Interviewed by [your name].” For example: “According to Dr. Smith, the impact of climate change on coastal communities is significant (Interviewed by Johnson).”

2. In the Works Cited list, provide the interviewee’s name, the title of the interview (if available), the interview date, and the medium of the interview. For example:

Smith, Dr. John. Interview. 10 March 2021. Personal interview.

3. If the interviewee’s name is not known, use “An Interview” as the title in the Works Cited list. For example:

An Interview. 15 April 2021. Personal interview.

4. If the interviewee is a public figure or has a widely recognized name, you may include their title or position in parentheses after their name. For example:

President Biden. Interview. 1 January 2021. Personal interview.

5. If the interviewee is a student or someone with a less recognized name, include their full name in the text or in parentheses. For example:

According to Sarah Thompson, a senior at State University, the new policy has had a positive impact on student life (Interviewed by Smith).

By following these guidelines, you can effectively cite personal interviews in MLA format and give credit to the individuals who provided valuable insights for your research. Remember that accurate citation is crucial for maintaining academic integrity and allowing readers to verify the information you have presented.