What are the main differences between MLA and Chicago citation styles?

What are the main differences between MLA and Chicago citation styles?

MLA (Modern Language Association) is commonly used in humanities, while Chicago style is often used in history and some social sciences. MLA focuses on author-page citation, whereas Chicago offers two systems: notes-bibliography and author-date.

Can you explain the author-page citation in MLA?

Sure! In MLA, the author-page citation includes the author's last name and the page number in parentheses, like this: (Smith 23). This is placed at the end of the sentence.

What about the notes-bibliography system in Chicago?

In the notes-bibliography system, you use footnotes or endnotes for citations, along with a bibliography at the end. For example, a footnote might look like this: 1. John Smith, Title of Book (City: Publisher, Year), page number.

Are there any specific fields that prefer one style over the other?

Yes, MLA is preferred in literature, philosophy, and the arts, while Chicago is favored in history and some social sciences due to its flexibility in citation formats.