ENG401B.1002// James L’Angelle /University of Nevada, Reno/ Dr. L. Olman /14 Sept 2020
Technical Manuals Compared: MLA Handbook vs Associated Press Stylebook
While the MLA Handbook is primarily concerned with citations in Part 1, it does include structural integrity in Part 2. The handbook is, as others similar to it, in a word, a “bible” for the publication industry on correct citing of sources. By contrast, the Associated Press manual is referred to as a “stylebook” and is the industry standard for the field of journalism. The MLA is arranged topically, the AP by alphabetical entry with additional appendix categories.
Q1: What profession or field does each serve? The MLA and similar publications illustrate the necessary procedure for proper documentation of sources. The process is not straightforward, it is not simple otherwise the manual wouldn’t be necessary. It is meant not just for the laymen in non-fiction and technical writing, but for students and industry professionals as well; those who publish their articles in the myriad of genre journals available in both print and online formats. A simple punctuation error could send the reader off on a long unsuccessful search to back up the facts with the source. This becomes extremely important when it comes to primary sources, since much of the information in the category, especially historical, can be totally misleading and nearly impossible to verify. The result is often rated in speculation instead of validation. The Associated Press’ rules are equally important since news gathering has of late been saturated with misinformation. In particular, the use of anonymous sources is under strict guidelines that are constantly ignored by even the most seasoned reporters.
Q2: How do they construct or typify the relationship between writer and reader? Without the guidelines described above, the reader will soon find the material wanting for lack of evidence which reflects and falls back on the writer’s credibility. Many times inaccurate facts find the writer in a court of law due to misleading information. Both the MLA and the AP stress disciplined formats that should not be taken for granted.
Q3: What are some of the values or standards for writing implied by the style guidelines (“goods” and “shoulds”)? As an example, the ellipsis, the use of three dots to abbreviate, is covered well in both manuals (MLA, 80-86, AP, 338-339) The MLA covers the method in reference to sentences, sources and quotations, including the use of brackets. The AP focus is mainly on quotations, such as:
“An ellipsis may also be used to indicate a thought that the speaker or writer does not complete.” (AP, 339)
More often than not a speaker criticizes a reporter for “misquoting” so the quote should, by all means, be inclusive and verbatim with no spelling or punctuation errors whatsoever.
The two manuals combined keep the writer up to speed on format and style, at least with respect to acceptable norms. Style itself is a unique function of the writer but in the fields of non-fiction, technical and journalism writing, the manuals provided give clear guidelines to facilitate a positive response from the reader.
Cited:
MLA Handbook, Eighth Edition, 2016, The Modern Language Association of America, New York
The Associated Press Stylebook, 55th Edition, 2020-2022, Basic Books, New York
ENG401B.1002// James L’Angelle /University of Nevada, Reno/ Dr. L. Olman /14 Sept 2020