MLA 8th Edition vs. MLA 9th Edition: What's the Difference?
MLA 8th Edition vs. MLA 9th Edition: What's the Difference?
If you're a student working on an academic paper, chances are you've already encountered the MLA formatting style. However, with each new edition of the MLA Handbook comes changes to the guidelines, leaving many students wondering what's different between MLA 8th and MLA 9th editions. This article aims to break down the main differences between the two formats, providing you with practical advice on how to apply these changes in your own writing.
Understanding the Changes
Before we dive into specific changes, it's essential to understand that the MLA 9th edition updates the guidelines to reflect contemporary issues and best practices. The new edition introduces changes related to digital media, social justice, and accessibility, which may affect your formatting choices.
In-Text Citations: Change Your Citation Style
One of the most significant differences between MLA 8th and 9th editions is the in-text citation style. According to the MLA 9th edition, you should include the author's last name and a page number (or numbers) when citing sources in the text. For example:
- In MLA 8th edition: Lastname Page Number
- Example: Smith 23
- In MLA 9th edition: (Lastname Page Number)
- Example: (Smith 23)
Works Cited Entries: New Header and Format
Another key difference is the formatting of works cited entries. In MLA 9th edition, a header with the student's last name and page number should appear on every page of your paper, one inch from the top right corner.
| Format | Example (MLA 8th) | Example (MLA 9th) |
|---|---|---|
| Header | Lastname (pp. x-x) | (Lastname, p. x) |
| Works Cited Entries | Lastname, Firstname Lastname. Title of Source. Publisher, Year of Publication. pp. xx-xx. | Lastname, Firstname Lastname. "Title of Source." Publisher, Year of Publication. |
Citation and Referencing for Media Sources
MLA 9th edition also introduces new guidelines for citing digital media sources, including podcasts, videos, and online articles.
| Format | Example (MLA 8th) | Example (MLA 9th) |
|---|---|---|
| Podcasts | Lastname, Firstname Lastname. "Title of Podcast." Podcast Publisher, Day Month Year of Publication. | |
| Videos | Lastname, Firstname Lastname. "Title of Video." Video Publisher, Day Month Year of Publication. |
Acknowledgments: No Change Required
One formatting aspect that remains unchanged between MLA 8th and 9th editions is the acknowledgment section. Your paper should include an acknowledgment or acknowledgement section, listing any sources for which you did not obtain permission.
Conclusion
While the MLA 9th edition introduces significant changes to the formatting guidelines, understanding these differences will help you adapt your writing style to conform to contemporary best practices. By following these practical tips and examples, you can ensure that your academic paper meets the required standards and produces high-quality work.
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