How to Cite Secondary Sources in MLA: A Comprehensive Guide

When writing a report that involves citing secondary sources, it's important to understand how to reference information accurately. The Modern Language Association (MLA) style has specific guidelines on how to handle citations from sources that include footnotes. Here's a detailed explanation on how to do so.

The MLA Approach to Citing Secondary Sources

The MLA and the Chicago Turabian styles handle citations from secondary sources in a similar manner. Here’s a breakdown of the process:

1. In-Text Citations:

When the information you are using comes from a footnote in the secondary source, you can use the footnote number in your in-text citation. This allows your readers to find the exact source of the information. Here’s an example:

In-text for your body text: According to Rushdie, myths are “the waking dreams our societies permit” (qtd. in Mann 835, footnote 3).

2. Bibliography/Cited Works:

List only the secondary source in your bibliography section (Works Cited). The primary or original source does not need to be listed here because the secondary source has already cited it.

For example: Mann, Susan. “Myths of Asian Womanhood.” Journal of Asian Studies, vol. 59, 2000, pp. 835–862.

Understanding Source-on-Source Citations

When dealing with source-on-source citations, or "daisychain" citations, the MLA style can sometimes appear overly complex. Traditional citation styles like APA and Harvard have more straightforward methods. However, some find the MLA and Chicago approaches to be a bit too nuanced.

For example, in APA and Harvard styles, the citation format would be:

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet consectetur adipiscing elit mauris convallis lectus quis orci commodo a dignissim enim mattis praesent sed Smith 1928 as cited in Jones 1982: 21.

Or:

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet consectetur adipiscing elit mauris convallis lectus quis orci commodo a dignissim enim mattis praesent sed Jones 1982: 21 citing Smith 1928.

Either way, both primary and secondary sources can be listed separately in the reference section, or the primary source can be listed in a separate section called “Works Mentioned by Sources.” This option makes it clear what your source is citing and avoids confusion.

Why Traditional Citation Systems Are Better

Many traditional citation systems, such as APA and Harvard, are favored for their clarity and simplicity. They avoid the complexity that can arise in the MLA style, especially in cases of repeated secondary citations. This is why they are often preferred in academic writing.

Consider the following points:

Source-Precision: Traditional citation systems make it clear which source is being cited, avoiding indirect citations that can be misleading. Transparency: The citation process is straightforward, making it easier for readers to verify the sources. Efficiency: By listing the primary source separately, you avoid clutter in the bibliography, making it more readable.

Conclusion

The MLA and Chicago styles have their merits, but they can be challenging when it comes to source-on-source citations. Traditional citation styles like APA and Harvard offer simpler and more direct methods that make the citation process more transparent and less ambiguous.

Ultimately, the choice of citation style should align with the expectations of your academic institution or publication. If you find the MLA style too cumbersome, consider exploring APA or Harvard for a clearer and more straightforward approach.