So You Just Conducted a Groundbreaking Interview. Now What? The Wild and Wacky World of Chicago-Style Oral History Citations
Ah, the thrill of the interview! You've unearthed nuggets of wisdom, hilarious anecdotes, and maybe even a ghost story or two. But hold on to your metaphorical hat – before you share these gems with the world, there's a little hurdle to jump: citation.
Now, citation in Chicago style can feel like translating ancient Sumerian. Fear not, intrepid interviewer, for this guide will be your Rosetta Stone (or, you know, the slightly less dusty alternative).
Unpublished Interviews: The Fun Bunch (Because Seriously, Who Publishes Interviews These Days?)
Most interviews are unpublished, residing happily on your recorder or gathering dust in a metaphorical drawer. But fret not, these interviews are still citation superstars! Here's how to corral them into Chicago style:
- The Interviewee: The Star of the Show
Start with their last name, then first name (think John Smith, not Smith, John). You can even add some identifying information in parentheses if they're a local legend (e.g., John Smith [founder of "World's Best Pie Emporium"]). - "Interview with" (because, well, it was an interview)
- Your Majestic Name (yes, you, the interviewer extraordinaire!)
- Date of the Interview (use the month, day, and year format, like a responsible grown-up)
- Location (optional, but if you interviewed them in a UFO, it might be good to mention)
Here's an example, snazzy and Chicago-approved:
Smith, John (founder of "World's Best Pie Emporium"). "Interview with" [Your Name]. Chicago, Illinois. 14 February 2024.
Bonus Tip: If the interview is stashed away in some secret archive, include the location (e.g., "University Archives, Box 123").
Published Interviews: When Your Interviewee Makes the Big Time (Even if it's a Tiny Local Newsletter)
Published interviews are a different beast, but fear not, the basic format remains the same:
- Interviewee's Last Name, First Name. (Again, John Smith, not Smith, John)
- "Title of the Interview" (use quotation marks, just like you did in grade school)
- "Interview by" (because someone had to ask the questions)
- Interviewer's Name
- Name of Publication (Newspaper? Magazine? Don't leave us guessing!)
- Date of Publication (month, day, and year, people!)
- Page Numbers (if it's a print publication, mention the specific pages where the interview shines)
- URL (if it's online, include the web address)
Here's a spiffed-up example, ready to impress your professor:
Smith, John. "My Life in Pies: A Sticky Success Story". "Interview by" Jane Doe. Chicago Tribune. 15 February 2024. https://www.chicagotribune.com/
Remember: This is just a taste of the Chicago style interview citation world. There are always extra twists and turns depending on the specific format (radio interview? documentary?), but with these basics, you'll be citing like a pro in no time. Now get out there and interview some fascinating folks (or, you know, that guy who claims he saw Bigfoot)!
