Difference Between HARVARD and MLA Format Style

Introduction

In academic writing, the citation style of the work has always been crucial to avoid stumble on besides building credibility. These two are common citation styles used widely today; they include Harvard referencing system and the Modern language Association (MLA) format. This is important for students, researchers and writers to know the difference between the two styles as it enables them to format their work correctly and use proper references as required by various colleges, Universities or Journals.

Therefore, in this blog post, we will endeavor to demystify the differences between the Harvard referencing style and MLA format as follows: Structure of the Harvard referencing style and MLA format, In-text citations in the Harvard referencing style and MLA format, Reference list in the Harvard referencing style and MLA format and General formatting rules for the Harvard referencing style and MLA format.

What is Harvard Referencing Style?

The Harvard citation style is among the frequently used citation styles particularly in social science, business and humanities. This is because its feature favors universities in the UK, Australia and other countries due to its simplicity and ease to use. It is an author-date system of referencing which means that whenever a source is cited in the text the author’s last name and the year of publication is used.

Key Features of Harvard Referencing Style:

1. In-text citations: In general, the Harvard referencing style involves using author’s surname together with year of publication for the citations within the text. Number of pages is also included in the citation especially when citing a particular section of that text. For example: It should be noted that all mentioned above applies to the actual code; to give a concrete reference to it, the author of the work used citation of this type: (Smith, 2020, p. 45).

2. Reference list: With reference to all the sources used in the text of the document, a list of references is compiled at the end of the text. The entries are most conveniently divided according to the author’s last name arranged in alphabetical order. The reference consists of the author’s name, the year of publication, title, place of publication and the publisher. For example:

Smith, J., 2020. Understanding Sociology. New York: Published by Oxford University Press.

3. General formatting: If using Harvard referencing there are main criteria: the title of the document is in italics; there is the concern of the year of publication which makes it easier to ascertain when the source was written.

4. Application: It is a citation style that is particularly used in writing of research papers, dissertations and scholarly articles. Its simplicity makes it the most effective way of citing sources as it is free from complicated procedures.

What is MLA Format Style?

The Modern Language Association of America commonly referred to as MLA is one of the most widely used writing style guides in humanities specifically in language, literature and cultural studies disciplines. When compared to Harvard, MLA citation does not incorporate the year of publication but in the in-text citation system using the author’s name and the page number. This format is used in the United States and it is mandatory to use it in the courses related to English and cultural topics.

Key Features of MLA Format Style:

1. In-text citations: The format used by MLA is the author’s family name followed by the number of the page containing the specific information required; but does not give the year of publication. For example: (Smith 45).

2. Works Cited page: Finally, if the compositions of authors other than the writer have been included in the document, then a “Works Cited” page is prepared at the end of the document to write all the sources that are used in the page. The entries are presented in alphabetical order according to the author’s last name but, unlike Harvard system, year is not emphasized. Here’s an example of how to list a book: Here’s an example of how to list a book:

Smith, John. Understanding Sociology. Oxford University Press, 2020.

3. General formatting: In MLA format basic and tangible titles, including those of books, are underlined, while titles of articles, for instance, are involved in quotation marks. In MLA style for citations there is another practice of a ‘hanging indent’ in the list of Works Cited.

4. Application: When it comes to writing in humanities such as literature and philosophy the most commonly used citation style is the MLA. It focuses on the reference of the texts and the context rather than the time of the works’ publication.

Major Differences Between Harvard and MLA Style

1. In-text Citations:

- Citations of Harvard style refer to the author’s family name and the year of publishing, for example, (Johnson, 2021). The page number can be omitted unless one is using quotations.

- While using MLA, the in-text citation involves the author’s last name and the number of the page in question but no year of publication is included, eg: (Johnson, 12).

2. Reference List vs. Works Cited:

Harvard style uses the navigate called a “Reference List” and it contains year of publication, place of publication and the publisher among other details.

Unlike the current style of APA where the publication date is highlighted clearly, MLA style uses a “works cited” page where the author’s name, the title of the work, the publisher and the year of publication are vital.

3. Emphasis on Publication Year:

Unlike most of the referencing styles Harvard referencing style focuses heavily on the year of publication. This is important especially in areas where the information whilst still relevant, needs to be up to date.

When it comes to MLA format, the year of publication is not placed in the prominent position of a citation because the main emphasis in MLA is made of the author and what he or she has written but not when it has been written.

4. Formatting the Titles:

- As in the Harvard system of referencing, every title of the works is in italics though no quotation marks are used.

- In MLA, longer forms, for example books are underlined, but shorter forms, for instance journal articles are placed in quotes.

5. Application by Subject:

It can be said that Harvard system is umbilically applied in social sciences, business and some humanities subjects, so it is rather applicable to a wide range of fields.

There are more distinct decisions taken in favor of MLA, as it is most popular in language, literature arts, and related fields that are more interested in readings or interpretations, NOT in timing of publication.

Which Citation Style Should You Use?

The use of Harvard referencing style and MLA format also depends on the academic discipline, along with other guidelines that one may get from the institution and or instructor. On the other hand, if you are writing a paper in the social sciences or business then Harvard refers may be best for you. On the other hand, if your work is in humanities or does involve literature analysis, then such style as MLA is used.

Conclusion

Harvard is used for legal citations while MLA is a citation style primarily used for humanities and liberal arts disciplines and therefore distinguishing between them is valuable to students and scholars. Harvard uses the year of publication and is used more in social science and business studies while MLA concentrates on the author’s work and is used in humanity related stuffs. When using the right citation style, you improve the quality and reliability of your writing; and people can easily credit the sources used.