MLA Style: Citing Indirect Sources and Indirect References

When writing a research paper, it is crucial to accurately cite your sources to give credit where credit is due and to adhere to academic integrity standards. The Modern Language Association (MLA) style is widely used in academic writing, especially in humanities. However, situations may arise where you need to cite information that was originally mentioned by someone else. This article discusses how to properly handle such indirect references in both your works cited page and in-text citations within the text of your paper.

What Are Indirect References?

Indirect references occur when you use information from a source that was originally cited by another author. For example, you may read a book where an author cites a different piece of work. Your task is to provide credit to all parties involved with a clear and accurate citation.

How to Cite Indirect Sources in MLA Style

In-Text Citations

In your main text, you should refer to the indirect source as though it were a direct quote. Use the author's name and the page number (if applicable) but cite the original author in your works cited entry rather than the person who cited it in the original work.

For example, if you are citing a quote from Smith John's Amazing Book, which is itself an indirect reference to another source, you would write:

The direct quote (paraphrase or quote), Smith John discusses... (Amazing Book 67).

The in-text citation would still look like a direct reference but would include the original source, not the one you read:

The direct quote (paraphrase or quote), Smith John discusses... (Smith 67).

Works Cited Entry

In your works cited page, you should only include the original source, not the one you read. For example, if Smith John cited from Another Source by Doe, you would only list:

Works Cited Smith John.

Amazing Book.

Columbia: U. of Missouri Press, 1937.

Although the indirect information came from Smith John, the citation should conclude with the original source. This properly credits the originating source while aligning with the MLA style guidelines.

General Guidelines for Indirect References

1. Identify the Original Source: Always seek the best possible source before citing, even if it was mentioned in another piece of work. This ensures the accuracy and relevance of the information you are using.

2. Paraphrasing: If you are paraphrasing from an indirect reference, it is still important to mention the original author's name in the in-text citation, and list the original source in the works cited section.

3. Direct Quotes: If you are using a direct quote, even if it is an indirect reference, you should include the original author's name and the page number in the in-text citation and list the original source in the works cited page.

Conclusion

Properly citing indirect sources in MLA style is about credit and honesty. By accurately tracking and attributing the original sources, you maintain the integrity of your research and adhere to academic standards. Always remember the importance of acknowledging the original authors and the sources they cited, and ensure that your citations in both text and the works cited section reflect these principles.