The Modern Language Association

The Modern Language Association of America, often referred to simply as the Modern Language Association (MLA), is the principal professional association in the United States for scholars of language and literature. Founded in 1883, the organization has played a pivotal role in the academic landscape, serving as a beacon for the study of modern languages and literatures. While it is widely known among students for its standardized system of citation, the MLAs scope encompasses a broad range of activities aimed at strengthening the study and teaching of language and literature.

History and Mission

The MLA was established by scholars and teachers who wished to discuss and promote the study of modern languages. In its infancy, the organization focused heavily on the philological study of European languages, particularly German, French, and the emerging field of English literature studies. Over the decades, the MLA expanded its focus to include a vast array of languages from across the globe, reflecting the changing demographics and interests of the academic world.

The mission of the MLA is to promote the study and teaching of language and literature. This mission is realized through the publication of academic journals, the creation of guidelines for scholarly publishing, the hosting of an annual international convention, and the advocacy for the humanities in education and public policy. The organization strives to foster an environment where scholarly exchange can flourish, supporting educators and researchers in their pursuit of knowledge.

MLA Style

For the vast majority of students and researchers in the humanities, the MLA is synonymous with "MLA Style." This is a method of documentation widely used in academic writing, particularly in the fields of English, foreign languages, and cultural studies. The primary purpose of MLA style is to provide a uniform format for writing papers and citing sources. This uniformity ensures that readers can easily navigate a document and verify the sources used by the author.

The MLA Handbook

The cornerstone of this citation system is the MLA Handbook. First published in 1977, the handbook has undergone several revisions to keep pace with changes in technology and research practices. The current edition, the 9th, offers a comprehensive guide to the mechanics of writing, including grammar, punctuation, and the structure of research papers. It places a strong emphasis on the concept of "container theory," recognizing that sources are often contained within larger platforms (such as a journal article within a database, or a tweet within a social media feed).

MLA style is distinguished by its simple, parenthetical citation format. Unlike other citation styles that may use footnotes or endnotes for bibliographical references, MLA uses a parenthetical system that links directly to a "Works Cited" page at the end of the document. For example, a citation might look like this: (Smith 23). This corresponds to an entry in the Works Cited list that provides the full bibliographic information.

Key Features of MLA Style

• In-Text Citations: A brief citation in parentheses placed immediately after a quote or a paraphrase. This usually includes the author's last name and the page number.
• Works Cited Page: A list of all sources referenced in the paper, located at the end. Entries are listed alphabetically by the author's last name.
• General Formatting: Papers are typically typed in a legible font (such as Times New Roman), double-spaced, with one-inch margins on all sides.
• Focus on Authorship: The style prioritizes the author of the work, placing their name first in the citation to emphasize the intellectual origin of the content.

Academic Resources and Publications

Beyond style guidelines, the MLA produces a wealth of resources for scholars. One of its most significant contributions to the field of literary research is the MLA International Bibliography. This is a classified listing and subject index of scholarly books and articles on modern languages, literatures, folklore, and linguistics. It is considered an essential research tool for academics worldwide, indexing thousands of journals and books annually. Access to the bibliography is often provided through university libraries, facilitating advanced research for graduate students and faculty.

In addition to the bibliography, the association publishes several academic journals. The most prominent of these is PMLA (Publications of the Modern Language Association), which is a prestigious journal featuring peer-reviewed articles on literature and language. Other periodicals focus on the profession of teaching, offering pedagogical strategies and discussions on the state of the humanities in the modern academy.

The Annual Convention

A vital aspect of the MLAs activities is its annual convention. Held typically in early January, this massive gathering brings together thousands of scholars, graduate students, and teachers. The convention features hundreds of sessions where participants present their research, discuss trends in the field, and network with colleagues. It serves as a marketplace for ideas and a barometer for the current state of literary and linguistic studies. For many academics, being accepted to present at the MLA convention is a significant career milestone.

The convention also hosts a large book exhibit where university presses and academic publishers display their latest titles. This provides a venue for scholars to meet with editors, discuss potential book projects, and stay abreast of the latest publications in their specific areas of interest.

Advocacy and the Future of the Humanities

In recent years, the MLA has increasingly taken on a role as an advocate for the humanities. As funding for the arts and humanities has been threatened in various educational and political contexts, the MLA has spoken out on the value of studying language and literature. They argue that the skills developed through these disciplinescritical thinking, empathy, and nuanced communicationare essential for a functioning democracy and a well-rounded citizenry.

Furthermore, the organization has grappled with the digital turn in the humanities. How does one study literature in an age of digital archives and e-books? How does the definition of "text" change when we consider video games, social media, and digital art? The MLA has been at the forefront of these discussions, providing forums for scholars to explore the intersection of technology and the humanities.

Conclusion

The Modern Language Association remains a cornerstone of academic life in the humanities. From its practical utility in providing a universal standard for citation to its broader role in fostering scholarly community and advocacy, the MLA influences how literature and language are taught, written about, and preserved. Whether a student is learning to format their first research paper or a seasoned professor is networking at the annual convention, the MLA provides the infrastructure necessary for the continued vitality of the humanities.