MLA vs. Chicago: A Tale of Two Citation Styles
Okay, so you're writing a paper. Great! Now comes the fun part: figuring out which citation style to torture yourself with. Is it MLA, the hipster of citation styles, or Chicago, the stuffy old professor? Let's break it down.
MLA: The Hipster of Citation Styles
MLA, or Modern Language Association, is basically the equivalent of wearing skinny jeans and a fixed-gear bike. It's popular in the humanities, and it likes to keep things simple (or so it says). MLA is all about in-text citations and a Works Cited page. It’s like, “Hey, just give me the author’s last name and page number, and we're cool." No fuss, no muss.
Chicago: The Stuffy Old Professor
Chicago, on the other hand, is like your grandpa's tweed jacket - classic, but maybe a bit outdated. It's used in history, business, and the fine arts. Chicago is all about footnotes or endnotes, and it loves a good bibliography. It's like, "Let's add a little extra flair to this paper with some scholarly apparatus."
Key Differences: Because Let's Face It, We Need Some Clarity
- In-text citations: MLA is chill with just author and page number. Chicago is like, "Nah, let's give the reader a full citation in a footnote or endnote."
- Bibliography/References: MLA calls it a Works Cited page, while Chicago opts for a Bibliography.
- Format: MLA is generally more relaxed, while Chicago is a stickler for details.
So, which one should you choose?
- If you're writing about literature or English, MLA is probably your jam.
- If you're delving into history, business, or the arts, Chicago might be the way to go.
- If you're just trying to survive college, pick the one your professor wants and pray.
How to Survive the Citation Nightmare
- How to choose between MLA and Chicago: Ask your professor. They're the boss.
- How to format your citations: Use a style guide. There are plenty online and in libraries.
- How to avoid plagiarism: Cite everything, even if you think it's common knowledge.
- How to stay sane: Take breaks, drink coffee, and remember that there's life after this paper.
- How to impress your professor: Go above and beyond. Add extra footnotes, or use a fancy font for your bibliography. Just kidding, don't do that.
Remember, citations are important, but they don't have to be a nightmare. Just pick a style, follow the rules, and try not to lose your mind. Good luck!