Guidelines for Citing Personal Experiences in MLA Format- A Comprehensive Guide

How to Cite a Personal Experience MLA

Citing personal experiences in MLA format can be a challenging task for many students. Personal experiences are subjective and often not documented in any formal source. However, it is essential to learn how to cite them correctly to maintain academic integrity and provide proper credit to the individuals involved. In this article, we will discuss the steps to cite a personal experience in MLA format effectively.

Understanding the MLA Format

Before diving into the specifics of citing a personal experience, it is crucial to have a basic understanding of the MLA format. MLA (Modern Language Association) is a widely-accepted citation style used in the humanities and liberal arts disciplines. The latest edition, MLA 8, emphasizes the use of parenthetical citations and a Works Cited list to provide accurate and concise references to sources.

Steps to Cite a Personal Experience in MLA Format

1. Identify the Source: The first step in citing a personal experience is to identify the source. This could be an interview, a conversation, or any other form of direct communication with an individual. Make sure you have the name of the person you spoke with, the date of the conversation, and any other relevant details.

2. Use Parenthetical Citations: In MLA format, personal experiences are typically cited using parenthetical citations within the text. Include the last name of the person and the year of the experience in parentheses. For example: (Smith 2021).

3. In-text Citations: If you mention the name of the person in your text, you can omit the last name in the parentheses. For example: “As Smith explained in our conversation last year, personal experiences can be a valuable source of insight” (2021).

4. Works Cited Entry: If the personal experience is not mentioned in the text but needs to be referenced in the Works Cited list, create a separate entry. Follow the MLA format for formatting the entry:

– Last Name, First Name. “Personal Interview.” Date of Interview. [Include any additional details that may be relevant, such as the location of the interview.]

5. Include a Title (Optional): If you wish to include a title for the personal experience, place it in quotation marks at the beginning of the Works Cited entry. For example:

– Smith, John. “My Journey to Self-Discovery.” Personal Interview. 2021.

Conclusion

Citing personal experiences in MLA format may seem daunting at first, but by following these steps, you can ensure that you give proper credit to the individuals involved while maintaining academic integrity. Remember to keep track of the necessary information, use parenthetical citations, and create a Works Cited entry for any personal experiences that require referencing. With practice, citing personal experiences in MLA format will become second nature.