Mastering MLA In-Text Citations- The Ultimate Guide to Citing Interviews Effectively

How to Cite an Interview in MLA In-Text

When conducting research, interviews can be a valuable source of information. However, citing an interview in MLA format can be challenging, especially when it comes to in-text citations. In this article, we will guide you through the process of citing an interview in MLA in-text format, ensuring that you provide proper credit to your source and adhere to MLA guidelines.

Understanding MLA In-Text Citations

In MLA style, in-text citations are used to reference the source of information within the text. They typically consist of the author’s last name and the page number where the information was found. When citing an interview, the process is slightly different due to the nature of the source.

Formatting an In-Text Citation for an Interview

To cite an interview in MLA in-text format, follow these steps:

1. Begin with the author’s last name, followed by a comma.
2. Include the year of the interview in parentheses.
3. Add the word “Interview” in italics.
4. Mention the name of the interviewee or the title of the interview if available.
5. Place a period after the citation.

For example, if you are citing an interview with a person named John Smith conducted in 2020, your in-text citation would look like this:

Smith (2020) Interview with John Smith.

If the interviewee’s name is not available, you can omit it and simply use the interview title:

Interview with John Smith (2020).

Formatting an In-Text Citation for an Interview with No Author

In some cases, the interview may not have an identifiable author. In this situation, you can use the title of the interview in place of the author’s name. Here’s an example:

Interview with Jane Doe (2020).

Citing an Interview in the Works Cited List

While in-text citations provide the necessary reference within your text, it is essential to also include the interview in your Works Cited list. The Works Cited list provides a comprehensive list of all the sources you have cited in your paper.

To cite an interview in the Works Cited list, follow these guidelines:

1. Start with the interviewee’s name (if available) or the title of the interview.
2. Include the publication date in parentheses.
3. Write “Interview” in italics.
4. Provide the name of the interviewer (if available).
5. Mention the name of the source where the interview was published, followed by the page number.
6. End with a period.

For example:

Smith, John. “Interview with John Smith.” 2020. The Journal of Research, 15.

By following these guidelines, you can ensure that you properly cite an interview in MLA in-text format and in the Works Cited list. This will help you maintain academic integrity and provide your readers with the necessary information to locate the source of your information.