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MLA Referencing

A guide on how to reference using the Modern Languages Association (MLA) referencing style.

Emails, texts, personal communications

In-text citation 

Template: 

  • (Sender Surname)

Example: 

  • (Ryan) requested…..

Works Cited list

Template: 

  • Sender Surname, First name. "Subject Title of Email." Message to Recipient First Name Surname, Day Month Year.

Example: 

  • Ryan, John. “Thesis proposal.” Message to Julia Byrne, 31 July 2025.

Notes

  • Something is a personal communication if it is not publicly accessible. This includes: 
    • Verbal conversations 
    • Phone calls 
    • Facetime or video calls 
    • Emails, text messages, Snapchat, WhatsApp, Discord, etc.