MLA 8 vs. MLA 9
What's the Difference?
MLA 8 and MLA 9 are both citation styles used in academic writing to properly attribute sources and provide credibility to research. However, MLA 9 is the updated version of MLA 8, with some key differences. MLA 9 includes new guidelines for citing online sources, such as social media posts and online videos, as well as updated rules for formatting citations. Additionally, MLA 9 emphasizes the importance of inclusivity and diversity in research, encouraging writers to consider a wider range of perspectives and voices in their work. Overall, MLA 9 builds upon the foundation of MLA 8, offering more comprehensive and up-to-date guidelines for researchers and writers.
Comparison
| Attribute | MLA 8 | MLA 9 |
|---|---|---|
| Citation format | Author, Title, Publisher, Year | Author, Title, Publisher, Year |
| In-text citations | (Author Page) | (Author Page) |
| Works Cited page | Alphabetical order by author's last name | Alphabetical order by author's last name |
| URLs | Include URLs for online sources | Do not include URLs for online sources |
Further Detail
Introduction
MLA (Modern Language Association) style is a widely used citation style in academic writing. The most recent version, MLA 9, was released in 2021, replacing MLA 8. Both versions have their own unique attributes and changes that writers need to be aware of. In this article, we will compare the key differences between MLA 8 and MLA 9.
Citation Format
One of the most noticeable changes between MLA 8 and MLA 9 is the citation format. In MLA 8, the format for citing sources included the author's name, title of the source, publication date, and location. However, in MLA 9, the format has been updated to include the author's name, title of the source, publication date, and URL. This change reflects the increasing importance of online sources in academic writing.
In-Text Citations
Another key difference between MLA 8 and MLA 9 is in-text citations. In MLA 8, in-text citations were formatted with the author's last name and page number (if applicable). However, in MLA 9, in-text citations now include the author's last name and the page number or paragraph number for online sources. This change makes it easier for readers to locate the specific information being cited.
Works Cited Page
The Works Cited page is an essential component of any MLA paper, and there are differences in how it is formatted in MLA 8 and MLA 9. In MLA 8, the Works Cited page was organized alphabetically by the author's last name. However, in MLA 9, the Works Cited page is now organized alphabetically by the title of the source. This change makes it easier for readers to locate sources on the Works Cited page.
Publication Information
MLA 9 also includes updates to how publication information is cited in sources. In MLA 8, publication information included the publisher's name and publication date. In MLA 9, publication information now includes the publisher's name, publication date, and location. This change provides readers with more detailed information about the sources being cited.
Accessibility
One of the key goals of MLA 9 is to make the citation style more accessible to a wider range of writers. In MLA 8, the guidelines for citing sources could be complex and difficult to understand for some writers. However, in MLA 9, the guidelines have been simplified and clarified to make it easier for writers to follow. This change is intended to make MLA 9 more user-friendly for writers of all levels.
Conclusion
In conclusion, MLA 8 and MLA 9 have several key differences in citation format, in-text citations, Works Cited page organization, publication information, and accessibility. Writers should be aware of these differences when using MLA 9 for their academic writing. By understanding the changes between MLA 8 and MLA 9, writers can ensure that their citations are accurate and in compliance with the latest MLA guidelines.
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